Potts happy to be a part of it
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts completed an unfortgettable season by travelling with the squad to
Wembley
06.06.2012
Dan Potts might not have been directly involved in the npower Championship
Play-Off final victory over Blackpool, but the young defender could not keep
the smile of his face at Wembley. The 18-year-old began 2011/12 as the
youth-team captain but ended it as a West Ham United first-team player,
full-time professional and England Under-18 international. Potts was part of
the Hammers' 21-man squad that travelled to the Home of Football for the big
game, enabling the teenager to soak up the atmosphere in front of a crowd of
nearly 80,000 fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boxers ready for Boleyn showdown
WHUFC.com
Dereck Chisora and David Haye cannot wait to settle their differences in an
east London ring
06.06.2012
With Saturday 14 July fast approaching, David Haye and Dereck Chisora have
both come out fighting ahead of their bout at the Boleyn. 'Licensed to
Thrill' takes place at the Boleyn Ground, with British heavyweights David
Haye and Dereck Chisora topping the bill as they look to settle their
differences once and for all. West Ham TV caught up with both fighters ahead
of the crunch encounter. Chisora was looking forward to stepping into the
ring at the Boleyn once more, having previously defeated Danny Williams back
in May 2010, knocking out the former British and Commonwealth champion after
nine seconds of the second round. "The Boleyn Ground has a great atmosphere,
I really like this place," said Chisora. "This is the second time I've
fought here I'm looking forward to this one. I'm ready for it and I can't
wait to get in that ring. "David and I have some unfinished business but
after 14 July it will be done and I will be the happy one."
Haye, who has come out of retirement for the bout, was also in fighting mode
as he suggested that Chisora was not the fighter he believes he is. "Dereck
talks a lot but I'm not sure he actually understands boxing. He's got a good
chin but I certainly don't think he has enough to beat me. I believe Chisora
is going to come out slinging bombs and that will suit me perfectly. "It's
going to be entertaining. You'll see some stuff from me that you haven't
seen for a while. A new improved Hayemaker."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are this morning being linked with a move for Wolves winger Michael
Kightly. The 26-year-old was part of the team relegated from the Premier
League last season and is this morning being linked with a return south,
having spent the last five-and-a-half years in the Midlands with the
Wanderers. Originally from Basildon, Kightly began his career playing part
time for Basildon United before moving to Southend United, having been
dumped by Tottenham as a youth player.
After a brief spell on loan at Farnborough Town he joined Grays Athletic
where he became known as 'the Ryan Giggs of non-league football'. Having
helped the Gravelmen win the FA Trophy, he moved to Wolves - initially on
loan - in November 2006, before making the transfer permanent in January
2007.
Elsewhere the Hammers have been cited as a potential suitor for Rangers
forward Steven Naismith, who is reported to have a clause in his contract
allowing him to speak with any club prepared to offer £2million for his
services.
Other players who continue to be linked with a move to east London this week
are Wigan's out-of-contract Mohamed Diame, Stoke's out-of-favour Kenwyne
Jones and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka - who at least one source has
stated is in London for transfer talks with an unnamed party.
Meanwhile the individual (or individuals) responsible for the Twitter
account in the name of David Sullivan's 12-year-old son have been busy once
again.
When asked whether West Ham are considering signing Sunderland's Egyptian
winger Ahmed Elmohamady, 'Sullivan' replied: "We are no trying to sign
Elmohamdyu (sic) from Sunderland", before clearing up any potential doubt
over a missing character by adding, "We are not" - and later, "we never
wanted him".
Then, when asked to confirm whether reports stating that Sam Allardyce's
summer war chest equated to just £10million, the account holder replied,
"double that".
In terms of potential departures, there is still no news with regards to
Robert Green's position following David Gold's recent Tweet confirming that
"Robert is out of contract and is currently a free agent" - although one
source close to the player has told KUMB.com that the England stopper will
not make any decision on his future until after the forthcoming European
Championships.
Finally, Tottenham's purported £5million bid for KUMB.com's Player of the
Year James Tomkins appears to have been laughed off in most quarters.
However keen-eyed KUMB readers will no doubt recall that Tomkins recently
changed agents and is now part of the Mark Curtis stable.
Curtis, for the uninitiated, was accused by Andy Carroll's former agent
(Peter Harrison) of stealing his client and subsequently brokering the deal
that saw the England international move to Anfield for a record-breaking
£35million last year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That Was The Season That Was 2011/2012 - Part Four
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Gordon Thrower
He's cleared his domestic football inbox and written it all down so he can
concentrate on watching the Euros. Well for three games anyway. Here's the
final part of Gordon Thrower's end of season review. Let's see who he can
annoy this time.....
March
Defender George John returns to FC Dallas having failed to impress during
his loan spell which consisted of two Development squad matches and no
appearances in the first team squad.
Southampton manage a 1-0 win at Leeds despite being played off the park, the
home side failing to take any of the numerous chances that coe their way.
This gives Southampton a four point lead making it rather important that we
get something out of our international trip the following day. This we do in
decent style beating Cardiff 2-0 with goals from Nolan and a collector's
item from McCartney, whose 50 yard run finishes with him putting away a
rebound. With his right foot. The disembodied head of Ray Winstone explodes
as the bookies for whom he does those adverts struggle to compute the
astronomical odds of Linda scoring at all, multiplied by the even more
astronomical odds of such a goal coming from his right foot.
There's more fun to be had at the expense of Chelsea as Abrahamovic decides
that AVB (as I can't be bothered to look up the spelling of his name) is not
the man to run the club after all. AVB has lasted just about as long as it
takes to conceive and give birth. There's little sympathy for him however
given the no doubt large payoff that he receives for going. In any case,
people are too busy laughing at Chelsea to have any time for sympathy.
Southampton drop two home points to the in-form Ipswich whose goal comes
from Jason Scotland. This is possibly the first time ever I can recall
smiling at a Scotland goal. However, despite dominating our match against
Watford we fail to take the opportunity to go top, as the clock ticks on.
Sub Ricardo Vaz Te notches a late equaliser but try as we might we fail to
net the winner, despite 9 minutes of stoppage time being added for a
serious-looking (but thankfully not as serious as it looked) injury to
Watford defender Dale Bennett who is stretchered off with his neck in a
brace.
With Winston Reid still feeling the effects of serious concussion obtained
playing for the Kiwis against Jamaica we look a bit short handed at the back
and Stoke defender Danny Collins comes in on loan, though quite how he'll
adapt to playing football after his move from Stoke is anyone's guess.
Another loan signing is set to be 'keeper Stephen Henderson who will come in
from Pompey. Henderson's signing is made with a view to a permanent deal,
something that renews speculation as to the future of Rob Green, whose
presence at the club is said to be dependent on what division we are in next
season. So the deal is in no way a clever way of saving Pompey a few bob to
make sure they don't disappear before the end of the season with our six
points then.
As if to underline the feeling that Portsmouth must survive, because it
would get just too complicated if they went under, the Football League
promises £800,000 in staggered payments to get them through to the close of
the regular season on 28 April. After which, presumably, nobody will give a
monkey's.
We draw at home for the third consecutive match as Doncaster Rovers come to
the Boleyn and leave with a point after a 1-1 draw. Nolan scores early on as
it seems that only referee Andy D'Urso's long-standing grudge against us
will prevent us running up a cricket score. However, the loss of Ricardo Vaz
Te with a hamstring injury sees us struggle to show any type of creativity
and Doncaster pick up a deserved equaliser. It could have been worse, Green
pulls of a remarkable save to stop us leaving empty-handed.
Reading close the gap between second and third to goal-difference whilst
Southampton's win means that a win in the game in hand over Peterborough
will be sufficient to see us reclaim top spot. As long as we can muster
eleven goals in the process.
A difficult trip to Leeds follows as 3,000 travelling Hammers see us go a
goal down with seven minutes left. On-loan Danny Collins pops up in stoppage
time to rescue a point which is a decent return from Elland Road, though
when taken in the context of wins for both Reading and Southampton , the
point is not enough to keep us in the automatic promotion places.
Southampton's 3-2 win at Millwall is particularly galling coming as they do
from 2-1 down with two more laughable penalties.
Such matters put into perspective by events at White Hart Lane as Bolton's
Fabrice Muamba collapses with a heart attack during the first half of his
side's FA Cup Quarter Final. The player's heart stops for 78 minutes and a
defibrillator is used as the medics perform heroics to keep the player
alive. Ref Howard Webb abandons the match at 1-1 with players and spectators
visibly upset at the whole affair.
Meanwhile, we return to action at home to Boro' and draw. 1-1. Again. We go
1-0 up (again) through a deflected Faye header but a baffling series of
substitutions sees us try to shut up shop rather than try to exploit the
space created by opponents drawn out of their shell. With predictable
consequences. Ogbeche's curled drive levels the scores late on. Despite the
indifferent form we remain in the mix for automatic promotion as Reading
slip up at Peterborough leaving us two points adrift with a game in hand.
The turgid 90 minutes against Boro' contrasts hugely with events at Elland
Road on the same night where Colin's side are trounced 7-3 by Forest, for
whom McCleary nets four. Leeds take the lead but by half time Forest are 2-1
up. Forest then go 3-1 up before Leeds peg them back to 3-3. Then Forest
score again. And again. And again. And again. Colin is understandably
embarrassed. "I'm embarrassed" he says, before going on to blame Carlos
Tevez for the defeat.
Things don't improve much for the Irons in the first half up at Burnley.
Despite dominating and missing a succession of chances (pardon me if we've
been here before) we somehow find ourselves 2-0 down at the interval. Things
perk up in the second half as Nolan (now in double figures for the season)
and Tomkins level but yet again the forwards miss a number of opportunities
to give us all three points. Ten unbeaten then, the last five of which are
draws.
The impressive away form continues with a midweek trip to Peterborough where
second half goals from Vaz Te and O'Neil give us all three points. The win
is our eleventh on the road, which equals the club record.
All looks set fair for the big showdown with Reading whose inexplicable run
of victories despite playing poorly has put them in a strong position for
promotion. We start well with Cole putting us 1-0 up early on. We dominate
the first half so much that boxing referees are seen on the sidelines
begging to be allowed to intervene. However, we discover a clue to their
form in the shape of Premiership referee Chris Foy who allows a blatant
handball from ex-Hammer McAnuff to set up the equaliser. Things get worse as
a flukey deflection plays in Hunt to put them 2-1 up at the Interval. A Noel
Hunt dive over the nearest leg is enough for Foy to give them a penalty
which is converted by Harte. Vaz Te gives us a bit of hope with a header
that makes it 3-2 but Foy caps a dismal match by repealing the offside law
for a three yards offside Hunt to play in Leighterwood to give them a 4-2
win and leave us four points off the promotion slots.
April
The final month of the normal season begins with a Good Friday trip to
Barnsley where goals from Nolan, Noble (a clever chip after a goalkeeping
error), Maynard and Vaz Te give us a morale-boosting 4-0 win, thus setting a
new club record of 12 away wins.
Leeds kick lumps out of Reading and for once the rest of the league turns a
blind eye. Despite being reduced to ten men Leeds look the better side but
Reading dig up two late goals from somewhere to maintain the gap.
The Boat Race becomes interesting for once as a privately-educated
privileged idiot halts proceedings by swimming in front of the boats as a
protest against, er, privately-educated privileged idiots or something.
Still it distracts everyone from making the "funny how Oxford & Cambridge
always make it to the final" joke. Well apart from this time anyway.
There's another big one at the Boleyn where Birmingham come to visit. Awful
defending sees us go 2-0 down before Vaz Te makes it 2-1 in the third minute
of first half stoppage. Even hanging on to that position is beyond us as
Birmingham add a third in the fifth minute of the stoppage period, the extra
time being caused by lengthy treatment to George McCartney following a clash
of heads. We storm the second half and a 70th minute effort from Cole and a
last minute penalty from Vaz Te give us a deserved point.
Reading beat Southampton at St Mary's yet again taking three points from a
thoroughly unconvincing performance. This means that a win against Brighton
is a must. We get the win and then some, as one of the performances of the
season sees us run in six without reply. Goals from Vaz Te (3), Nolan, Cole
and an og give us the points and do the goal difference a power of good as
well. Vaz Te's third is a bit special, a mid-air scissor kick instantly
propelling him to the top of the "goal of the season" nominations.
Unfortunately hopes of automatic promotion are dealt a major blow in our
next match. We go 1-0 up through a Tomkins effort but an uncharacteristic
slip from Rob Green gives relegation threatened Bristol City an equaliser.
Once more a plethora of missed chances cost us dearly and the draw leaves us
needing snookers to have any chance of avoiding the playoffs.
Elsewhere Didier Drogba creates a world record for the number of dives in a
match during Chelsea's So-Called Champions League Semi Final against
Barcelona. Southampton players are seen pouring over their Sky+ machines for
tips. Drogba gives Chelsea the lead in one of the three minutes of stoppage
time added for treatment to his non-existent injuries and, despite Barcelona
playing them off the park, Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the second leg.
Drought hits this part of the country prompting the traditional hosepipe
ban, followed by the even more traditional heavy rain. Which proceeds to
last for weeks. And weeks.
Results elsewhere mean that Reading, despite their obvious limitations, have
somehow become Champions. There is dancing in the streets of Derby as Rams'
fans look forward to finally losing the embarrassment of being tagged the
worst Premier League team ever.
There is still an outside chance of automatic promotion for us but a win
away at Leicester is required to keep that particular flame alight. The home
side take the lead against the run of play but the lead lasts less than 4
minutes as Reid turns in a Taylor cross. A rejuvenated Jack Collison buries
a spectacular 25-yarder to give us all three points.
Chelsea are yet again played off the park by Barcelona as the home side take
a 2-0 lead. John Terry ("the greatest Captain England have had ever" – M
Lipton) knees Sanchez in the back and then has the cheek to deny any
wrongdoing claiming "he must have backed into me". Terry eventually concedes
that it might just possibly look like he was guilty from a certain angle –
that angle presumably being one where you were facing the screen. Ramires
gives Chelsea the advantage, Messi (suspiciously) hits the bar from a
penalty and even more suspiciously Torres scores late on to send the
Pensioners through to the final v Bayern Munich. It's almost worth seeing
Chelsea qualify in the realisation that Terry will be suspended.
The following morning's newspapers are full of the news that enquiries into
the phone hacking scandal that doesn't involve Spurs have resulted in the
conclusion that Rupert Murdoch is not a "fit and proper" person to run a
newspaper, something which, apparently, is news. One paper which doesn't run
with the story is the Sun whose front page simply states "Torres Scores!"
Back in the realms of proper football we go into the final match of the
season needing a win and some goals, if Southampton draw, or just a win if
they lose. The only problem with that scenario is that Southampton are
playing already-relegated Coventry. Coventry are so poor that Southampton
don't require any dives to win 3-0 and leave us in the playoffs. A Carlton
Cole double either side of half time puts us 2-0 up but as the news filters
through from Southampton we sit back and important players are wisely
substituted in advance of the extension of the season. Hull pull a late goal
back after a bizarre cock-up from Guy Demel.
We finish in third place a mere three points from top spot. The club record
13 wins away from home contrasts with the home form where too many draws
have cost us automatic promotion. However, possibly significantly, we've won
two on the trot at home – which will be handy in the playoffs won't it where
Cardiff lie in wait…..
May
The month starts with the tabloids being outwitted by the FA as Roy Hodgson
is appointed England boss. Redknapp's journo mates cry foul as their man is
ignored in favour of someone with a proven track record of coaching at
international level and no recent court appearances.
At first the English public seem to follow the redtops' lead but the Sun
scores a spectacular own goal by publishing a front page taking the mickey
out of Hodgson's speech problem. The FA complains and any thoughts that the
Sun might have a lucid and coherent case are immediately dispelled when they
trot out Jonathon Ross as witness for the defence.
We pay another visit abroad for the playoff semi-final first leg against
Cardiff City. Tickets are again collectable from somewhere really
inconvenient. For some reason everyone connected with Cardiff seems to feel
it necessary to go into print regarding how awful we must be feeling about
missing out on automatic promotion and how much pressure we must be under.
We are under so much pressure that Jack Collison puts away two first half
goals in a performance that has the word "professional" stamped right
through it.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay puts a brave face on the demolition job carried
out on his team. "We've got them worried now – 2-0 is a really dangerous
lead". It's a warning partially heeded by Blackpool in the other playoff who
take care to only take a 1-0 lead into their second leg against Birmingham.
A major dilemma faces the nation on FA Cup Final day where Chelsea face
Liverpool. On the one hand there was a side with dodgy owners, ignorant fans
and racist players whilst on the other hand, er…
The final is hidden away on Saturday evening to hide the embarrassing nature
of the participants. Prior to kick-off the charmless scousers whistle and
jeer the National Anthem. The match ends up 2-1 to Chelsea with Liverpool
being denied an equaliser by a Carroll effort that doesn't cross the line,
despite all efforts of the TV pundits to stir up controversy. The best thing
about the final is the way that we are allowed to see the look on the faces
of the likes of Gerrard picking up their losers' medals before turning off
before the obnoxious Terry picks up the cup. The scouse supporters in the
stadium further display their lack of class by legging it before the trophy
is presented.
Cardiff come to London via a detour to Turkmenistan to pick up tickets for
the second leg of the semi final. We cop a deaf one on Mackay's "2-0's a
dangerous lead" comment and render the point academic by half time, taking a
2-0 lead through a close range header from Nolan and a powerful Vaz Te
drive. Maynard's first goal at home towards the end makes it 3-0, with
another fine performance to send us to Wembley for the first time in 31
years.
The chicken dance that accompanies Nolan's goal is emulated at Ewood Park
where supporters lob a live chicken on the pitch in protest at the
stewardship of the poultry farmer owners Venkeys. Blackburn lose 1-0 to
Wigan and are relegated in the process while Liverpool immediately place a
£35m bid to sign the chicken.
The other playoff semi final sees Blackpool throw away a 2-0 lead to draw
2-2 against Birmingham. It's still enough to get them through to face us at
Wembley but they are holding on at the end.
Fed up with continually having to order their employees to apologise for
stuff, and annoyed at the fact that their club hold an end of season lap of
honour following their sixth home win of the season, Liverpool's owners sack
Dalglish. "He's not been close enough to the fans" they comment. "However,
now that he's unemployed he will be".
Ticketing arrangements for the playoff final start to turn a bit daft as
it's revealed that Blackpool have been given the same 39,000 or so
allocation as us, despite having a much smaller average gate. Rumours of
poor ticket sales in the north-west abound despite every supporter being
able to take two or three mates each. If they have any.
Idiot of the pre-playoff week award goes to the tool who publishes a
two-year old photo of an away kit, announces it as a new kit and uses the
existence of the Premier League badges on the sleeves as examples of our
supposed pre-playoff "arrogance". When caught out, the idiot goes one
further by replacing the old photo with a supporter's mock-up from the
kumb.com forums. Worse still, Seasiders' defender Ian Evatt is dumb enough
to fall for it and makes a tit of himself by repeating the stuff as fact.
The build-up to the big match concludes with Blackpool sending back a record
7,000 tickets. Because of the way they've been dished out all attempts to
reallocate the spares fall on deaf ears due to segregation issues.
The big day finally arrives. Everyone sings the National Anthem (scousers
please note) and, Collison's shoulder injury having healed it is an
unchanged eleven that starts the match. We take a half time lead through
Carlton Cole but Blackpool restore parity after the interval. Although we
don't play nearly as well as we have been of late we still have good chances
to win the match before Vaz Te's effort with but two minutes left is enough
to take us up in front of 40,000+ Hammers and as many waifs and strays that
Blackpool could muster.
John Terry turns up in full kit offering to help out with lifting the trophy
but security tell him to sling his hook. Undeterred, England's Greatest Ever
Captain (©M Lipton) jets off to Munich where he is able to pick up another
trophy that he had sod all to do with winning.
Big Sam admits to having taken a Beta Blocker before the final to control
his nerves. Sheffield United's lawyers' ears prick up at the thought of
suing over a potential failed drug test.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the defeat, Blackpool's Alex Baptiste
delivers the most hilarious of sour grapes tirades against West Ham. "I know
which team I'd rather play for" he says, conveniently ignoring the fact that
nobody is likely to give him the option. "Their players are all 8ft tall"
says the 5ft 11in tall Baptiste who, despite the fact that he himself is
taller than several Hammers, seems dreadfully upset at having been made to
play football against the bigger boys. Sep Blatter, who has been quiet on
the "really stupid ideas" front, muses over introducing boxing-style height
divisions in football before the realisation that John Terry would still
probably turn up to pick up the trophy in the women's 5ft and under
tournament.
The play-off season (yes there were others) continues and there isn't a dry
eye in the house as Sheffield United play Huddersfield Town in one of the
dullest matches ever seen anywhere. A bizarre penalty shoot-out takes place
which, after an incredibly poor first five penalties, finishes at 2-2. It
then gets silly as all the players considered not good enough to take any of
the first lot, bury their spot-kicks in brilliant style, leaving just the
'keepers to go. Town 'keeper Smithies dispatches his and, is able to put his
feet up as Hypocrite's net-minder Simonsen becomes an honorary Hammer by
thumping his kick into the stands. I expect we'll stop laughing eventually.
As contracts come up for renewal, it's farewell Abdoullaye Faye, John Carew,
Papa Bouba Diop, Olly Lee and Julien Faubert. Unlike last time he left these
shores, Faubert is not expected to pitch up at Real Madrid, despite having a
fine 20 minutes in the play-off final.
Rob Green is in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad amidst rumours that he'll be
on his way. The tensions between Rio Ferdinand and "England's Greatest Ever
Captain" (according to M Lipton who either needs psychiatric help or a good
slap) mean that Hodgson decides that he has room for only one of them. Terry
gets the nod meaning that he'll be there to pick up the trophy when Spain
win it. Terry warms up with a trip to Azerbaijan where he is on hand to take
a bow as Sweden win the Eurovision song contest.
In typical cack-handed style season tickets go on sale for the 12/13 season.
Season ticket holders due a 20% discount for having renewed for five
consecutive seasons are baffled by the lack of mention of the discount in
any of the stuff appearing on the official site. Eventually there's an
announcement. Sort of. "All will be revealed in the renewal packs which
we're sending out, er, soon". Another period of silence follows before an
email goes out to supporters. The dreadfully drafted missive points out that
the proposed discount would cost a lot of money and it was those beastly
Icelandic chaps that had made it in the first place. The email appears to
suggest that the original offer is invalid – though cleverly it stops just
short of actually saying so – and suggests supporters take 5% off over the
next four years instead. Crucially, it is implied that the original offer is
somehow off the table and supporters are given only the option and ability
to renew at the club's preferred rate.
When challenged again the club, realising that they are on dodgy ground
legally, finally concede that they have to honour original offer, though
even this admission is limited to those who bothered to ask and is laden
with so much emotional blackmail that one would think supporters had asked
to take money from the mouths of starving Africans, rather than simply
asking what the position was. Ironically many supporters now claiming the
20% claimed that they might have accepted the revised offer had the club not
apparently attempted to mislead them. All in all, not the finest hour for
the board who came on board with a wave of promises of openness and
transparency.
Barry Hearn is in the news again. Having at various stages been in favour of
Tottenham taking over the Olympic Stadium, then nobody taking it over, Hearn
graciously decides that we can move in after all and that he'll let us share
the place with Leyton Orient. Gosh thanks Barry. Mind if we get back to you
on that one?
Despite the discount fracas, there apparently remains enough in the coffers
to put in a £1.2m bid for Yakubu, who is seeking a Premiership club after
Blackburn's relegation. George McCartney, available on a free from
Sunderland, is also offered a permanent deal. Rob Green looks for a reported
£50k a week. This is an amount that the management seems to baulk at and the
player goes to the Euros with nothing decided as to his future.
With the goalkeeper situation in a state of flux, transfer speculation links
us with Blackburn's Paul Robinson and Bolton's Jussi Jaaskeleinen. JJ, as he
is known to anyone who has to type his name, spent much of 2011/12 on the
bench having failed to regain his place after injury. The down side for JJ's
replacement Adam Bogdan was that Bolton 'keepers have to wear pink shirts.
Which is a bit of a nightmare if you are as red-headed as Bogdan is.
Rumours of possible riots amongst fat people in velour tracksuits start to
gather pace as the Government issues a consultation document that raises the
possibility of adding VAT to Cornish pasties. The Sun newspaper leads a
campaign that is short on quotes from those against the proposed tax due to
their mouths being full every time someone calls to ask them a question.
The Soccer Aid charity match takes place at Old Trafford where the usual
70,000 crowd of people who know sod all about football is replaced by a
70,000 crowd people who know sod all about both football and music, coming,
as most of them have, to scream at Robbie Williams (once memorably described
by one of the Gallagher brothers as "that fat dancer with Take That"). The
England XI, managed by Sam Allardyce, prevails over a Rest Of The World XI
3-1. The first half highlight is the ROW's goal scored by Kasabian guitarist
Serge Pizzorno, whose chip finds David Seaman stranded off his line (how
odd, not). The second half highlight involves tv chef Gordon Ramsey who
leaves a foot in on Paddy McGuinness prompting a spot of ball throwing.
Teddy Sheringham exacts revenge by ploughing straight through the
foul-mouthed ex-Rangers (yeah right – and I played for Barcelona)
defender/chef, putting him in hospital with a shocking tackle that we really
ought to condemn but can't quite bring ourselves to do so.
There's dancing in the streets of, er, Copenhagen, as the much improved
Winston Reid picks up the award for New Zealand Footballer Of The Year,
beating off strong competition from all the other New Zealand footballers
who were in contention. Whoever they were.
Robert Mugabe comes out as a Chelsea supporter which tells you all you need
to know about both him and them. Mugabe instantly overtakes John Terry in
the list of most obnoxious people in the world with Chelsea connections,
though he fails to dislodge Tim Lovejoy from top slot. M Lipton's article
"Why Mugabe is football's greatest ever supporter" is put on hold after even
he can't get past the opening line of "Ok so he may be a ruthless dictator
with genocidal tendencies but......"
Premiership manager news and Liverpool appoint Swansea boss Brendon Rodgers
as their new manager which comes as a shock to "Dodgy" Dave Whelan who had
been mentally spending the compensation cash that he, er, sorry Wigan, would
have received had he not priced Roberto Martinez out of the market.
Following his discussion with Wigan, Liverpool supremo Ian Ayre refers to
Whelan as "a comedian" – something that confuses us on the grounds that
Whelan has never made us laugh. Then we remember the likes of Tom O'Connor,
Stan Boardman, Ken Dodd etc and realise that "being funny" isn't a
prerequisite for comedian status on Merseyside. (By the way, if anyone who
knows "Premier League Manager" Neil Warnock is reading this, can you pop
over and tell him that he can stop waiting by the 'phone now).
England's preparations for Euro 2012 are thrown into turmoil as Gareth Barry
and Frank Lampard (jr) are both ruled out by injury. Lampard (jr)'s injury
causes suspicion, coming as it does as the Government announces a U-turn
with regard to the proposed "pasty tax". Those that might otherwise be
dancing in the streets at the news that pasties will remain tax-free (if not
warm) decline the opportunity to do so on the grounds that dancing looks an
awful lot like exercise.
Lampard's withdrawal from the squad means that Hodgson at least doesn't have
to wrestle with the age old question of whether Gerrard and Lampard can play
in the same side that has troubled England managers ever since the great "do
we have room for two ludicrously overrated players in the team?" question
first came to light.
Carlsberg run a competition to give ordinary fans a chance to become part of
the England squad by completing the sentence "I think I should play for
England because...." . Mr J Henderson of Liverpool wins with his entry that
reads "some of my mates are going and they're no good at football either".
Emile Heskey considers an appeal at the decision on the grounds that
Henderson had help from his mum with the spelling, but he falls over on the
way to the post box and the appeal never makes it to Carlsberg, who, since
I've now mentioned them twice in a paragraph, ought really to think about
sending me some product.
England's final warm-up games see victories away to Norway and at home to
Belgium both by 1-0. Gary Cahill withdraws from the squad with a broken jaw.
Hodgson allows him to be replaced by Carlsberg (I'm getting thirsty here)
competition runner-up Martin Kelly (competition answer: "so I can hold my
friend Jordan's hand").
Cardiff's Malaysian owners resurrect a plan to change the club's colours
from blue to red which will make them, er, easier to see in Asia or
something and will be the solution to all their problems. Presumably nobody
called Liverpool before thinking that one up.
The final transfer speculation of the period leaves us looking at Wolves'
Michael Kightley, Wigan's Mohammed Diame, Nicholas Anelka (lately of
somewhere in China), Rangers' Stephen Naismith, Stoke's Kenwyne Jones, and,
bizarrely, Ronaldinho who has fallen out with his current employers over a
disagreement over wages, Ronaldinho believing his contract entitled him to
some.
Tottenham are rumoured to have put in a £5m bid for James Tomkins. No
official confirmation comes of the bid which is too daft to be taken
seriously. Even they're not that stupid are they?
So, to summarise, we went up. We have the Euros and the Olympics to look
forward to in the summer. The fixtures are out on June 18th. The season
starts on 18 August so Sky have a whole two months to mess up your plans,
though as usual you can probably rely on them to leave it until an hour
after you have left for the match before announcing any revised dates. Our
tv coverage will be on a bit earlier – though on past form from the BBC
that'll only be by a minute or two.
And this time next year I'll be looking back at a really dull season and
won't have had a thing to write.
Which will make a change.
Have a good summer!
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Naismith agent - No Hammers bid
Frontman focused on returning to full fitness with Gers, says agent
Last Updated: June 6, 2012 9:01am
SSN
Steven Naismith's agent has denied reports West Ham have made an approach
for the Rangers striker and says he is fully focused on continuing his Ibrox
career.
Speculation has surfaced the frontman was the subject of a £2million offer
from the Premier League new-boys but his agent, Russell Kyle, has denied
such claims.
Kyle insists Naismith, who saw his season cut short after suffering a
cruciate ligament injury in October, is concentrating on regaining full
fitness in time for the new season with Gers. He told the Daily Record: "I
can say categorically that we have had no contact with West Ham and that no
one from Rangers has been in touch to tell us Steven has been the subject of
an inquiry from them. "Steven is on holiday and his primary concern is
returning to Rangers and being fully fit for the new season."
Naismith, who has three years left to run on his contract at Ibrox,
previously attracted a £2m bid from West Brom which was rejected by the
club's administrators, Duff and Phelps. The striker has previously stated he
is optimistic of continuing his career in Glasgow despite concerns over the
financially-stricken club's future.
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West Ham Linked with a Defensive Midfielder!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
One of the areas of the squad that defintely needs addressing this summer is
midfield anchor. Yet, so far, and it is admittedly early days, we have not
been linked with any players in that particular position. Numerous different
forwards yes, defnsive midfielders no! Until this evening that is, when it
was reported that Sam Allardyce is considering making a bid for former
Racing Club defensive midfielder, Cladio Yacob.
In the last season or two Yacob has been watched by both Man Utd and
Arsenal, without either making a move. The rumour being that they do not
feel that he is ideally suited to the frentic, fast pace of the EPL. Yet at
24 years of age, an Argentina international, and a free agent he may well be
worth a gamble.
Elsewhere, most Hammers fans were hoping for a bid for Wolves left-winger,
Matt Jarvis, but the latest rumours are that we may be going for the cheaper
option on Wolves' right wing, Micheal Knightley. He could be a good signing,
as long as he is over his past injury problems?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham, Southampton and Reading: Survival is the name of the game
Posted: June 5, 2012 by newshoes1984 in Reading, Southampton, West Ham
Ninetyminutesonline.com
Over the last few seasons teams coming into the Premier League from the
Championship have been more successful in avoiding relegation in their first
season. QPR, Norwich and Swansea all survived this season, whilst the likes
of Stoke, West Brom and Wigan have now established themselves as top-flight
teams. So what do the three teams that are joining this season need to do to
survive?
Reading
Reading are returning to the big time after relegation in 2008. There are
many similarities though between this team and the one that finished eighth
in their first season in the Premiership in 2006-2007. Just like that team
there are no real big stars and Reading's success comes from their solid
shape, organisation and ability to counter attack. They have experience at
the back in the shape of former Leeds man Ian Harte and Kaspars Gorkss,
Exciting wingers in Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe and hardworking strikers in
Jason Roberts and Noel Hunt.
The one different factor which may aid Reading's survival chances this time
is the backing of wealthy Russian Anton Zingarevich who recently bought 51%
of the club. Certainly Reading will need to spend and add some Premier
League experience and a proven goal scorer at the top level to the solid
base that they already have.
Southampton
The Saints last couple of seasons are very similar to that of Norwich City.
From struggling in League One Nigel Adkins has secured back-to-back
promotions to the Premier League just Like Paul Lambert did at Carrow Road.
This has been achieved by having a prolific goal scorer at Football League
level in Rickie Lambert just like Norwich has Grant Holt.
Much like Reading their success in the Championship was built on a solid
defensive unit marshalled by Jose Fonte and Jos Hooiveld with the
experienced Kelvin Davis in goal. Dean Hammond provides a good base in front
of the back four, which allows the likes of Lambert, Adam Lallana and Billy
Sharp to concentrate on scoring goals. With their current squad Southampton
have a good chance of survival but much like Reading some more Premier
League experience and strength in depth is required to give them an even
better chance.
West Ham
Everyone's favourites to bounce straight back up did it the hard way after a
2-1 play-off final victory over Blackpool. They are a side that is already
packed with Premiership and international experience with the likes of
Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole to name just a few.
Despite scoring 81 goals last season ,which was the second highest in the
division, a prolific striker is still needed as they created so many chances
to win games which they drew in the Championship.
West Ham also have an advantage by having the experienced Sam Allardyce in
charge. Allardyce has been there and done it with both Bolton and Blackburn,
making Bolton a stable Premier League club and also taking Blackburn to a
comfortable mid table position. Whilst many of the West Ham fans may not
like the style of football that Allardyce plays, they cannot argue that it
gets results and his meticulous planning may be what keeps West Ham afloat
next season.
All three teams will have to spend to survive, with greater strength in
depth being an issue for all three to cope with the rigours and pace of the
top division. With three managers though who are very tactically astute and
some exciting forward players Reading, Southampton and West Ham all have a
great chance of making an impact in the Premier League next season.
By Chris Newman
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West Ham wait to pounce on Chelsea outcast Benayoun and free agent Yacob
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:51, 6 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:51, 6 June 2012
Daily Mail
Yossi Benayoun is expected to announce his departure from Chelsea this week,
with West Ham, Ajax and Maccabi Haifa all keen. The Israel midfielder, who
spent almost all of last season on loan at Arsenal, posted on Twitter: 'I
hope I will have some news about my future soon.' West Ham are interested in
Argentina midfielder Claudio Yacob, 24, a free agent after leaving Racing.
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West Ham United keen on Wolves winger Michael Kightly
Guardian Series
5:34pm Wednesday 6th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are reportedly keen on bringing Wolves winger Michael
Kightly to the club. The Hammers are interested in taking the former Watford
loan midfielder to Upton Park following their promotion to the Premier
League. The 26-year-old could be available for a reasonable price after
Wolves suffered relegation to the Championship.
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West Ham midfielder sets out on pro golf journey - 05/06/2012
Europrotour.com
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil is eyeing a career in professional
golf once his footballing days are over. The 29-year-old has been getting a
feel for the sport by taking part in two events on the 888poker.com PGA
EuroPro Tour. The Your Golf Travel Classic at Bovey Castle in Dartmoor and
the Ulster Bank Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, were
O'Neil's first appearances in professional golf and gave the former England
Under-21 international an insight to life on a pro tour.
At Bovey Castle he carded a first-round score of 79 on the par-70 course and
struggled in his second round, signing for 89 to total 28 over par for the
tournament.
However, he improved at Galgorm Castle and achieved a two-over-par 74 in his
first round and 80 in his second. "I've loved playing golf since I first
took it up," said O'Neil, who played in the two events as an amateur. "I am
realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro
golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would
look to do. "Bovey Castle was my first ever professional golf event. It was
nice of the EuroPro Tour to invite me to come see what it is all about and
it was a good experience. "I play of scratch at the London Club in Kent but
it is a bit different playing there on a Sunday morning with friends than it
is playing on the EuroPro with the professional lads who are on tour doing
it week-in, week-out. "I found it difficult at Bovey but I tried to enjoy it
anyway. It was tough going and it was quite nerve-racking as well. I was
hoping to get a few weeks of practise in before I came but with West Ham
being in the play-offs I didn't have the chance. "I love my golf and I know
some of the EuroPro Tour players. I was invited to come and play a couple of
weeks and see what it is all about. It's something that, if I can get good
enough at, I'd be interested in doing once I get to 35 and stop playing
football. It's a chance to see what it was all about and how my swing would
stand up under pressure. Unfortunately it wasn't great at Bovey! "Galgorm
was slightly better; I did quite well in my first round and proved to myself
that I can shoot a half-decent score even though I didn't play great golf. I
need to do more practise; the pro golfers are fantastic and are working on
their game day in, day out. I didn't expect to go and do anything special,
it was just for the experience and I really enjoyed it. "I think my
perception of how good the pro lads are was fairly accurate. I have played
with a few of them socially before and I knew they were good. I knew I
needed to improve to reach their level and that remains the same. I don't
think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having
the time to be able to practise.
"A few of the guys said how good my short game is but my problem at the
moment is consistency. My bad shoots seem to be a lot worse than the bad
ones the pro lads are hitting. I hit a couple of loose ones with my driver
at Galgorm which were 40 or 50 yards off line and that will cost you two
shots straight away. For the pro lads their bad shots are sneaking into the
rough and that is about as bad is it gets. I need to repeatedly hit the ball
and try and find some more consistency. "Playing in my first professional
golf tournaments has been similar to my football debut. I don't get that
nervous anymore ahead of football matches but when I think back to how
nervous I was for my debut and for my second game it's probably quite
similar to how nervous I was at Bovey Castle and at Galgorm."
The newly-promoted Premier League football is now taking a well-earned
family holiday but will be back on the golf course at the end of June in a
bid to win a place at this year's British Open. "I'll be playing in the
British Open qualifying at the end of June," he said. "I did it two years
ago and hopefully playing on the EuroPro will stand me in good stead. I
found that more nerve-wracking than Open qualifying was two years ago, and
that will be at my home course as well, so hopefully I'll feel quite
comfortable for that. I know the course well but it is only 18 holes so you
need to have a good day, but you never know. "I love playing golf and I am
really grateful to the guys at the EuroPro Tour for inviting me to play
these two events and if they invite me next summer I'd like to get a couple
in, and then you may see me full time in about seven years!"
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West Ham United chasing Blackburn Rovers keeper Robinson
by Jack Failsworth. Published Wed 06 Jun 2012 14:30, Last updated:
2012-06-06
clicklancashire.com
According to reports West Ham United is interested in Blackburn Rovers
goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The Lancashire Telegraph claims Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce is eyeing the former England keeper. Robinson is understood to be
high up on Allardyce's wish list of replacements, having been a big admirer
of him during their time together at Ewood Park. However, it is believed
that Big Sam has other names on his short list though, including free agent
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton Wanderers.
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Elior pitches up at Upton Park
Fm-world.co.uk
6 June 2012
Elior has taken over catering at Upton Park, the home of Premier League team
West Ham United, in a deal worth nearly £10 million. Elior's UK division
took over from Compass Group this month under a two-year contract, a
statement from Elior said. West Ham joins Queens Park Rangers as the second
premiership club for Elior, which also handles catering for Brighton & Hove
Albion, Rangers and Port Vale, as well as for the Murrayfield rugby pitch.
Elior is providing all match day and non-match day food and hotel services
at Upton Park, where the executive boxes are turned into bedrooms on
non-match days.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th June 2012
Potts happy to be a part of it
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts completed an unfortgettable season by travelling with the squad to
Wembley
06.06.2012
Dan Potts might not have been directly involved in the npower Championship
Play-Off final victory over Blackpool, but the young defender could not keep
the smile of his face at Wembley. The 18-year-old began 2011/12 as the
youth-team captain but ended it as a West Ham United first-team player,
full-time professional and England Under-18 international. Potts was part of
the Hammers' 21-man squad that travelled to the Home of Football for the big
game, enabling the teenager to soak up the atmosphere in front of a crowd of
nearly 80,000 fans.
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Boxers ready for Boleyn showdown
WHUFC.com
Dereck Chisora and David Haye cannot wait to settle their differences in an
east London ring
06.06.2012
With Saturday 14 July fast approaching, David Haye and Dereck Chisora have
both come out fighting ahead of their bout at the Boleyn. 'Licensed to
Thrill' takes place at the Boleyn Ground, with British heavyweights David
Haye and Dereck Chisora topping the bill as they look to settle their
differences once and for all. West Ham TV caught up with both fighters ahead
of the crunch encounter. Chisora was looking forward to stepping into the
ring at the Boleyn once more, having previously defeated Danny Williams back
in May 2010, knocking out the former British and Commonwealth champion after
nine seconds of the second round. "The Boleyn Ground has a great atmosphere,
I really like this place," said Chisora. "This is the second time I've
fought here I'm looking forward to this one. I'm ready for it and I can't
wait to get in that ring. "David and I have some unfinished business but
after 14 July it will be done and I will be the happy one."
Haye, who has come out of retirement for the bout, was also in fighting mode
as he suggested that Chisora was not the fighter he believes he is. "Dereck
talks a lot but I'm not sure he actually understands boxing. He's got a good
chin but I certainly don't think he has enough to beat me. I believe Chisora
is going to come out slinging bombs and that will suit me perfectly. "It's
going to be entertaining. You'll see some stuff from me that you haven't
seen for a while. A new improved Hayemaker."
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Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are this morning being linked with a move for Wolves winger Michael
Kightly. The 26-year-old was part of the team relegated from the Premier
League last season and is this morning being linked with a return south,
having spent the last five-and-a-half years in the Midlands with the
Wanderers. Originally from Basildon, Kightly began his career playing part
time for Basildon United before moving to Southend United, having been
dumped by Tottenham as a youth player.
After a brief spell on loan at Farnborough Town he joined Grays Athletic
where he became known as 'the Ryan Giggs of non-league football'. Having
helped the Gravelmen win the FA Trophy, he moved to Wolves - initially on
loan - in November 2006, before making the transfer permanent in January
2007.
Elsewhere the Hammers have been cited as a potential suitor for Rangers
forward Steven Naismith, who is reported to have a clause in his contract
allowing him to speak with any club prepared to offer £2million for his
services.
Other players who continue to be linked with a move to east London this week
are Wigan's out-of-contract Mohamed Diame, Stoke's out-of-favour Kenwyne
Jones and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka - who at least one source has
stated is in London for transfer talks with an unnamed party.
Meanwhile the individual (or individuals) responsible for the Twitter
account in the name of David Sullivan's 12-year-old son have been busy once
again.
When asked whether West Ham are considering signing Sunderland's Egyptian
winger Ahmed Elmohamady, 'Sullivan' replied: "We are no trying to sign
Elmohamdyu (sic) from Sunderland", before clearing up any potential doubt
over a missing character by adding, "We are not" - and later, "we never
wanted him".
Then, when asked to confirm whether reports stating that Sam Allardyce's
summer war chest equated to just £10million, the account holder replied,
"double that".
In terms of potential departures, there is still no news with regards to
Robert Green's position following David Gold's recent Tweet confirming that
"Robert is out of contract and is currently a free agent" - although one
source close to the player has told KUMB.com that the England stopper will
not make any decision on his future until after the forthcoming European
Championships.
Finally, Tottenham's purported £5million bid for KUMB.com's Player of the
Year James Tomkins appears to have been laughed off in most quarters.
However keen-eyed KUMB readers will no doubt recall that Tomkins recently
changed agents and is now part of the Mark Curtis stable.
Curtis, for the uninitiated, was accused by Andy Carroll's former agent
(Peter Harrison) of stealing his client and subsequently brokering the deal
that saw the England international move to Anfield for a record-breaking
£35million last year.
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That Was The Season That Was 2011/2012 - Part Four
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Gordon Thrower
He's cleared his domestic football inbox and written it all down so he can
concentrate on watching the Euros. Well for three games anyway. Here's the
final part of Gordon Thrower's end of season review. Let's see who he can
annoy this time.....
March
Defender George John returns to FC Dallas having failed to impress during
his loan spell which consisted of two Development squad matches and no
appearances in the first team squad.
Southampton manage a 1-0 win at Leeds despite being played off the park, the
home side failing to take any of the numerous chances that coe their way.
This gives Southampton a four point lead making it rather important that we
get something out of our international trip the following day. This we do in
decent style beating Cardiff 2-0 with goals from Nolan and a collector's
item from McCartney, whose 50 yard run finishes with him putting away a
rebound. With his right foot. The disembodied head of Ray Winstone explodes
as the bookies for whom he does those adverts struggle to compute the
astronomical odds of Linda scoring at all, multiplied by the even more
astronomical odds of such a goal coming from his right foot.
There's more fun to be had at the expense of Chelsea as Abrahamovic decides
that AVB (as I can't be bothered to look up the spelling of his name) is not
the man to run the club after all. AVB has lasted just about as long as it
takes to conceive and give birth. There's little sympathy for him however
given the no doubt large payoff that he receives for going. In any case,
people are too busy laughing at Chelsea to have any time for sympathy.
Southampton drop two home points to the in-form Ipswich whose goal comes
from Jason Scotland. This is possibly the first time ever I can recall
smiling at a Scotland goal. However, despite dominating our match against
Watford we fail to take the opportunity to go top, as the clock ticks on.
Sub Ricardo Vaz Te notches a late equaliser but try as we might we fail to
net the winner, despite 9 minutes of stoppage time being added for a
serious-looking (but thankfully not as serious as it looked) injury to
Watford defender Dale Bennett who is stretchered off with his neck in a
brace.
With Winston Reid still feeling the effects of serious concussion obtained
playing for the Kiwis against Jamaica we look a bit short handed at the back
and Stoke defender Danny Collins comes in on loan, though quite how he'll
adapt to playing football after his move from Stoke is anyone's guess.
Another loan signing is set to be 'keeper Stephen Henderson who will come in
from Pompey. Henderson's signing is made with a view to a permanent deal,
something that renews speculation as to the future of Rob Green, whose
presence at the club is said to be dependent on what division we are in next
season. So the deal is in no way a clever way of saving Pompey a few bob to
make sure they don't disappear before the end of the season with our six
points then.
As if to underline the feeling that Portsmouth must survive, because it
would get just too complicated if they went under, the Football League
promises £800,000 in staggered payments to get them through to the close of
the regular season on 28 April. After which, presumably, nobody will give a
monkey's.
We draw at home for the third consecutive match as Doncaster Rovers come to
the Boleyn and leave with a point after a 1-1 draw. Nolan scores early on as
it seems that only referee Andy D'Urso's long-standing grudge against us
will prevent us running up a cricket score. However, the loss of Ricardo Vaz
Te with a hamstring injury sees us struggle to show any type of creativity
and Doncaster pick up a deserved equaliser. It could have been worse, Green
pulls of a remarkable save to stop us leaving empty-handed.
Reading close the gap between second and third to goal-difference whilst
Southampton's win means that a win in the game in hand over Peterborough
will be sufficient to see us reclaim top spot. As long as we can muster
eleven goals in the process.
A difficult trip to Leeds follows as 3,000 travelling Hammers see us go a
goal down with seven minutes left. On-loan Danny Collins pops up in stoppage
time to rescue a point which is a decent return from Elland Road, though
when taken in the context of wins for both Reading and Southampton , the
point is not enough to keep us in the automatic promotion places.
Southampton's 3-2 win at Millwall is particularly galling coming as they do
from 2-1 down with two more laughable penalties.
Such matters put into perspective by events at White Hart Lane as Bolton's
Fabrice Muamba collapses with a heart attack during the first half of his
side's FA Cup Quarter Final. The player's heart stops for 78 minutes and a
defibrillator is used as the medics perform heroics to keep the player
alive. Ref Howard Webb abandons the match at 1-1 with players and spectators
visibly upset at the whole affair.
Meanwhile, we return to action at home to Boro' and draw. 1-1. Again. We go
1-0 up (again) through a deflected Faye header but a baffling series of
substitutions sees us try to shut up shop rather than try to exploit the
space created by opponents drawn out of their shell. With predictable
consequences. Ogbeche's curled drive levels the scores late on. Despite the
indifferent form we remain in the mix for automatic promotion as Reading
slip up at Peterborough leaving us two points adrift with a game in hand.
The turgid 90 minutes against Boro' contrasts hugely with events at Elland
Road on the same night where Colin's side are trounced 7-3 by Forest, for
whom McCleary nets four. Leeds take the lead but by half time Forest are 2-1
up. Forest then go 3-1 up before Leeds peg them back to 3-3. Then Forest
score again. And again. And again. And again. Colin is understandably
embarrassed. "I'm embarrassed" he says, before going on to blame Carlos
Tevez for the defeat.
Things don't improve much for the Irons in the first half up at Burnley.
Despite dominating and missing a succession of chances (pardon me if we've
been here before) we somehow find ourselves 2-0 down at the interval. Things
perk up in the second half as Nolan (now in double figures for the season)
and Tomkins level but yet again the forwards miss a number of opportunities
to give us all three points. Ten unbeaten then, the last five of which are
draws.
The impressive away form continues with a midweek trip to Peterborough where
second half goals from Vaz Te and O'Neil give us all three points. The win
is our eleventh on the road, which equals the club record.
All looks set fair for the big showdown with Reading whose inexplicable run
of victories despite playing poorly has put them in a strong position for
promotion. We start well with Cole putting us 1-0 up early on. We dominate
the first half so much that boxing referees are seen on the sidelines
begging to be allowed to intervene. However, we discover a clue to their
form in the shape of Premiership referee Chris Foy who allows a blatant
handball from ex-Hammer McAnuff to set up the equaliser. Things get worse as
a flukey deflection plays in Hunt to put them 2-1 up at the Interval. A Noel
Hunt dive over the nearest leg is enough for Foy to give them a penalty
which is converted by Harte. Vaz Te gives us a bit of hope with a header
that makes it 3-2 but Foy caps a dismal match by repealing the offside law
for a three yards offside Hunt to play in Leighterwood to give them a 4-2
win and leave us four points off the promotion slots.
April
The final month of the normal season begins with a Good Friday trip to
Barnsley where goals from Nolan, Noble (a clever chip after a goalkeeping
error), Maynard and Vaz Te give us a morale-boosting 4-0 win, thus setting a
new club record of 12 away wins.
Leeds kick lumps out of Reading and for once the rest of the league turns a
blind eye. Despite being reduced to ten men Leeds look the better side but
Reading dig up two late goals from somewhere to maintain the gap.
The Boat Race becomes interesting for once as a privately-educated
privileged idiot halts proceedings by swimming in front of the boats as a
protest against, er, privately-educated privileged idiots or something.
Still it distracts everyone from making the "funny how Oxford & Cambridge
always make it to the final" joke. Well apart from this time anyway.
There's another big one at the Boleyn where Birmingham come to visit. Awful
defending sees us go 2-0 down before Vaz Te makes it 2-1 in the third minute
of first half stoppage. Even hanging on to that position is beyond us as
Birmingham add a third in the fifth minute of the stoppage period, the extra
time being caused by lengthy treatment to George McCartney following a clash
of heads. We storm the second half and a 70th minute effort from Cole and a
last minute penalty from Vaz Te give us a deserved point.
Reading beat Southampton at St Mary's yet again taking three points from a
thoroughly unconvincing performance. This means that a win against Brighton
is a must. We get the win and then some, as one of the performances of the
season sees us run in six without reply. Goals from Vaz Te (3), Nolan, Cole
and an og give us the points and do the goal difference a power of good as
well. Vaz Te's third is a bit special, a mid-air scissor kick instantly
propelling him to the top of the "goal of the season" nominations.
Unfortunately hopes of automatic promotion are dealt a major blow in our
next match. We go 1-0 up through a Tomkins effort but an uncharacteristic
slip from Rob Green gives relegation threatened Bristol City an equaliser.
Once more a plethora of missed chances cost us dearly and the draw leaves us
needing snookers to have any chance of avoiding the playoffs.
Elsewhere Didier Drogba creates a world record for the number of dives in a
match during Chelsea's So-Called Champions League Semi Final against
Barcelona. Southampton players are seen pouring over their Sky+ machines for
tips. Drogba gives Chelsea the lead in one of the three minutes of stoppage
time added for treatment to his non-existent injuries and, despite Barcelona
playing them off the park, Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the second leg.
Drought hits this part of the country prompting the traditional hosepipe
ban, followed by the even more traditional heavy rain. Which proceeds to
last for weeks. And weeks.
Results elsewhere mean that Reading, despite their obvious limitations, have
somehow become Champions. There is dancing in the streets of Derby as Rams'
fans look forward to finally losing the embarrassment of being tagged the
worst Premier League team ever.
There is still an outside chance of automatic promotion for us but a win
away at Leicester is required to keep that particular flame alight. The home
side take the lead against the run of play but the lead lasts less than 4
minutes as Reid turns in a Taylor cross. A rejuvenated Jack Collison buries
a spectacular 25-yarder to give us all three points.
Chelsea are yet again played off the park by Barcelona as the home side take
a 2-0 lead. John Terry ("the greatest Captain England have had ever" – M
Lipton) knees Sanchez in the back and then has the cheek to deny any
wrongdoing claiming "he must have backed into me". Terry eventually concedes
that it might just possibly look like he was guilty from a certain angle –
that angle presumably being one where you were facing the screen. Ramires
gives Chelsea the advantage, Messi (suspiciously) hits the bar from a
penalty and even more suspiciously Torres scores late on to send the
Pensioners through to the final v Bayern Munich. It's almost worth seeing
Chelsea qualify in the realisation that Terry will be suspended.
The following morning's newspapers are full of the news that enquiries into
the phone hacking scandal that doesn't involve Spurs have resulted in the
conclusion that Rupert Murdoch is not a "fit and proper" person to run a
newspaper, something which, apparently, is news. One paper which doesn't run
with the story is the Sun whose front page simply states "Torres Scores!"
Back in the realms of proper football we go into the final match of the
season needing a win and some goals, if Southampton draw, or just a win if
they lose. The only problem with that scenario is that Southampton are
playing already-relegated Coventry. Coventry are so poor that Southampton
don't require any dives to win 3-0 and leave us in the playoffs. A Carlton
Cole double either side of half time puts us 2-0 up but as the news filters
through from Southampton we sit back and important players are wisely
substituted in advance of the extension of the season. Hull pull a late goal
back after a bizarre cock-up from Guy Demel.
We finish in third place a mere three points from top spot. The club record
13 wins away from home contrasts with the home form where too many draws
have cost us automatic promotion. However, possibly significantly, we've won
two on the trot at home – which will be handy in the playoffs won't it where
Cardiff lie in wait…..
May
The month starts with the tabloids being outwitted by the FA as Roy Hodgson
is appointed England boss. Redknapp's journo mates cry foul as their man is
ignored in favour of someone with a proven track record of coaching at
international level and no recent court appearances.
At first the English public seem to follow the redtops' lead but the Sun
scores a spectacular own goal by publishing a front page taking the mickey
out of Hodgson's speech problem. The FA complains and any thoughts that the
Sun might have a lucid and coherent case are immediately dispelled when they
trot out Jonathon Ross as witness for the defence.
We pay another visit abroad for the playoff semi-final first leg against
Cardiff City. Tickets are again collectable from somewhere really
inconvenient. For some reason everyone connected with Cardiff seems to feel
it necessary to go into print regarding how awful we must be feeling about
missing out on automatic promotion and how much pressure we must be under.
We are under so much pressure that Jack Collison puts away two first half
goals in a performance that has the word "professional" stamped right
through it.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay puts a brave face on the demolition job carried
out on his team. "We've got them worried now – 2-0 is a really dangerous
lead". It's a warning partially heeded by Blackpool in the other playoff who
take care to only take a 1-0 lead into their second leg against Birmingham.
A major dilemma faces the nation on FA Cup Final day where Chelsea face
Liverpool. On the one hand there was a side with dodgy owners, ignorant fans
and racist players whilst on the other hand, er…
The final is hidden away on Saturday evening to hide the embarrassing nature
of the participants. Prior to kick-off the charmless scousers whistle and
jeer the National Anthem. The match ends up 2-1 to Chelsea with Liverpool
being denied an equaliser by a Carroll effort that doesn't cross the line,
despite all efforts of the TV pundits to stir up controversy. The best thing
about the final is the way that we are allowed to see the look on the faces
of the likes of Gerrard picking up their losers' medals before turning off
before the obnoxious Terry picks up the cup. The scouse supporters in the
stadium further display their lack of class by legging it before the trophy
is presented.
Cardiff come to London via a detour to Turkmenistan to pick up tickets for
the second leg of the semi final. We cop a deaf one on Mackay's "2-0's a
dangerous lead" comment and render the point academic by half time, taking a
2-0 lead through a close range header from Nolan and a powerful Vaz Te
drive. Maynard's first goal at home towards the end makes it 3-0, with
another fine performance to send us to Wembley for the first time in 31
years.
The chicken dance that accompanies Nolan's goal is emulated at Ewood Park
where supporters lob a live chicken on the pitch in protest at the
stewardship of the poultry farmer owners Venkeys. Blackburn lose 1-0 to
Wigan and are relegated in the process while Liverpool immediately place a
£35m bid to sign the chicken.
The other playoff semi final sees Blackpool throw away a 2-0 lead to draw
2-2 against Birmingham. It's still enough to get them through to face us at
Wembley but they are holding on at the end.
Fed up with continually having to order their employees to apologise for
stuff, and annoyed at the fact that their club hold an end of season lap of
honour following their sixth home win of the season, Liverpool's owners sack
Dalglish. "He's not been close enough to the fans" they comment. "However,
now that he's unemployed he will be".
Ticketing arrangements for the playoff final start to turn a bit daft as
it's revealed that Blackpool have been given the same 39,000 or so
allocation as us, despite having a much smaller average gate. Rumours of
poor ticket sales in the north-west abound despite every supporter being
able to take two or three mates each. If they have any.
Idiot of the pre-playoff week award goes to the tool who publishes a
two-year old photo of an away kit, announces it as a new kit and uses the
existence of the Premier League badges on the sleeves as examples of our
supposed pre-playoff "arrogance". When caught out, the idiot goes one
further by replacing the old photo with a supporter's mock-up from the
kumb.com forums. Worse still, Seasiders' defender Ian Evatt is dumb enough
to fall for it and makes a tit of himself by repeating the stuff as fact.
The build-up to the big match concludes with Blackpool sending back a record
7,000 tickets. Because of the way they've been dished out all attempts to
reallocate the spares fall on deaf ears due to segregation issues.
The big day finally arrives. Everyone sings the National Anthem (scousers
please note) and, Collison's shoulder injury having healed it is an
unchanged eleven that starts the match. We take a half time lead through
Carlton Cole but Blackpool restore parity after the interval. Although we
don't play nearly as well as we have been of late we still have good chances
to win the match before Vaz Te's effort with but two minutes left is enough
to take us up in front of 40,000+ Hammers and as many waifs and strays that
Blackpool could muster.
John Terry turns up in full kit offering to help out with lifting the trophy
but security tell him to sling his hook. Undeterred, England's Greatest Ever
Captain (©M Lipton) jets off to Munich where he is able to pick up another
trophy that he had sod all to do with winning.
Big Sam admits to having taken a Beta Blocker before the final to control
his nerves. Sheffield United's lawyers' ears prick up at the thought of
suing over a potential failed drug test.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the defeat, Blackpool's Alex Baptiste
delivers the most hilarious of sour grapes tirades against West Ham. "I know
which team I'd rather play for" he says, conveniently ignoring the fact that
nobody is likely to give him the option. "Their players are all 8ft tall"
says the 5ft 11in tall Baptiste who, despite the fact that he himself is
taller than several Hammers, seems dreadfully upset at having been made to
play football against the bigger boys. Sep Blatter, who has been quiet on
the "really stupid ideas" front, muses over introducing boxing-style height
divisions in football before the realisation that John Terry would still
probably turn up to pick up the trophy in the women's 5ft and under
tournament.
The play-off season (yes there were others) continues and there isn't a dry
eye in the house as Sheffield United play Huddersfield Town in one of the
dullest matches ever seen anywhere. A bizarre penalty shoot-out takes place
which, after an incredibly poor first five penalties, finishes at 2-2. It
then gets silly as all the players considered not good enough to take any of
the first lot, bury their spot-kicks in brilliant style, leaving just the
'keepers to go. Town 'keeper Smithies dispatches his and, is able to put his
feet up as Hypocrite's net-minder Simonsen becomes an honorary Hammer by
thumping his kick into the stands. I expect we'll stop laughing eventually.
As contracts come up for renewal, it's farewell Abdoullaye Faye, John Carew,
Papa Bouba Diop, Olly Lee and Julien Faubert. Unlike last time he left these
shores, Faubert is not expected to pitch up at Real Madrid, despite having a
fine 20 minutes in the play-off final.
Rob Green is in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad amidst rumours that he'll be
on his way. The tensions between Rio Ferdinand and "England's Greatest Ever
Captain" (according to M Lipton who either needs psychiatric help or a good
slap) mean that Hodgson decides that he has room for only one of them. Terry
gets the nod meaning that he'll be there to pick up the trophy when Spain
win it. Terry warms up with a trip to Azerbaijan where he is on hand to take
a bow as Sweden win the Eurovision song contest.
In typical cack-handed style season tickets go on sale for the 12/13 season.
Season ticket holders due a 20% discount for having renewed for five
consecutive seasons are baffled by the lack of mention of the discount in
any of the stuff appearing on the official site. Eventually there's an
announcement. Sort of. "All will be revealed in the renewal packs which
we're sending out, er, soon". Another period of silence follows before an
email goes out to supporters. The dreadfully drafted missive points out that
the proposed discount would cost a lot of money and it was those beastly
Icelandic chaps that had made it in the first place. The email appears to
suggest that the original offer is invalid – though cleverly it stops just
short of actually saying so – and suggests supporters take 5% off over the
next four years instead. Crucially, it is implied that the original offer is
somehow off the table and supporters are given only the option and ability
to renew at the club's preferred rate.
When challenged again the club, realising that they are on dodgy ground
legally, finally concede that they have to honour original offer, though
even this admission is limited to those who bothered to ask and is laden
with so much emotional blackmail that one would think supporters had asked
to take money from the mouths of starving Africans, rather than simply
asking what the position was. Ironically many supporters now claiming the
20% claimed that they might have accepted the revised offer had the club not
apparently attempted to mislead them. All in all, not the finest hour for
the board who came on board with a wave of promises of openness and
transparency.
Barry Hearn is in the news again. Having at various stages been in favour of
Tottenham taking over the Olympic Stadium, then nobody taking it over, Hearn
graciously decides that we can move in after all and that he'll let us share
the place with Leyton Orient. Gosh thanks Barry. Mind if we get back to you
on that one?
Despite the discount fracas, there apparently remains enough in the coffers
to put in a £1.2m bid for Yakubu, who is seeking a Premiership club after
Blackburn's relegation. George McCartney, available on a free from
Sunderland, is also offered a permanent deal. Rob Green looks for a reported
£50k a week. This is an amount that the management seems to baulk at and the
player goes to the Euros with nothing decided as to his future.
With the goalkeeper situation in a state of flux, transfer speculation links
us with Blackburn's Paul Robinson and Bolton's Jussi Jaaskeleinen. JJ, as he
is known to anyone who has to type his name, spent much of 2011/12 on the
bench having failed to regain his place after injury. The down side for JJ's
replacement Adam Bogdan was that Bolton 'keepers have to wear pink shirts.
Which is a bit of a nightmare if you are as red-headed as Bogdan is.
Rumours of possible riots amongst fat people in velour tracksuits start to
gather pace as the Government issues a consultation document that raises the
possibility of adding VAT to Cornish pasties. The Sun newspaper leads a
campaign that is short on quotes from those against the proposed tax due to
their mouths being full every time someone calls to ask them a question.
The Soccer Aid charity match takes place at Old Trafford where the usual
70,000 crowd of people who know sod all about football is replaced by a
70,000 crowd people who know sod all about both football and music, coming,
as most of them have, to scream at Robbie Williams (once memorably described
by one of the Gallagher brothers as "that fat dancer with Take That"). The
England XI, managed by Sam Allardyce, prevails over a Rest Of The World XI
3-1. The first half highlight is the ROW's goal scored by Kasabian guitarist
Serge Pizzorno, whose chip finds David Seaman stranded off his line (how
odd, not). The second half highlight involves tv chef Gordon Ramsey who
leaves a foot in on Paddy McGuinness prompting a spot of ball throwing.
Teddy Sheringham exacts revenge by ploughing straight through the
foul-mouthed ex-Rangers (yeah right – and I played for Barcelona)
defender/chef, putting him in hospital with a shocking tackle that we really
ought to condemn but can't quite bring ourselves to do so.
There's dancing in the streets of, er, Copenhagen, as the much improved
Winston Reid picks up the award for New Zealand Footballer Of The Year,
beating off strong competition from all the other New Zealand footballers
who were in contention. Whoever they were.
Robert Mugabe comes out as a Chelsea supporter which tells you all you need
to know about both him and them. Mugabe instantly overtakes John Terry in
the list of most obnoxious people in the world with Chelsea connections,
though he fails to dislodge Tim Lovejoy from top slot. M Lipton's article
"Why Mugabe is football's greatest ever supporter" is put on hold after even
he can't get past the opening line of "Ok so he may be a ruthless dictator
with genocidal tendencies but......"
Premiership manager news and Liverpool appoint Swansea boss Brendon Rodgers
as their new manager which comes as a shock to "Dodgy" Dave Whelan who had
been mentally spending the compensation cash that he, er, sorry Wigan, would
have received had he not priced Roberto Martinez out of the market.
Following his discussion with Wigan, Liverpool supremo Ian Ayre refers to
Whelan as "a comedian" – something that confuses us on the grounds that
Whelan has never made us laugh. Then we remember the likes of Tom O'Connor,
Stan Boardman, Ken Dodd etc and realise that "being funny" isn't a
prerequisite for comedian status on Merseyside. (By the way, if anyone who
knows "Premier League Manager" Neil Warnock is reading this, can you pop
over and tell him that he can stop waiting by the 'phone now).
England's preparations for Euro 2012 are thrown into turmoil as Gareth Barry
and Frank Lampard (jr) are both ruled out by injury. Lampard (jr)'s injury
causes suspicion, coming as it does as the Government announces a U-turn
with regard to the proposed "pasty tax". Those that might otherwise be
dancing in the streets at the news that pasties will remain tax-free (if not
warm) decline the opportunity to do so on the grounds that dancing looks an
awful lot like exercise.
Lampard's withdrawal from the squad means that Hodgson at least doesn't have
to wrestle with the age old question of whether Gerrard and Lampard can play
in the same side that has troubled England managers ever since the great "do
we have room for two ludicrously overrated players in the team?" question
first came to light.
Carlsberg run a competition to give ordinary fans a chance to become part of
the England squad by completing the sentence "I think I should play for
England because...." . Mr J Henderson of Liverpool wins with his entry that
reads "some of my mates are going and they're no good at football either".
Emile Heskey considers an appeal at the decision on the grounds that
Henderson had help from his mum with the spelling, but he falls over on the
way to the post box and the appeal never makes it to Carlsberg, who, since
I've now mentioned them twice in a paragraph, ought really to think about
sending me some product.
England's final warm-up games see victories away to Norway and at home to
Belgium both by 1-0. Gary Cahill withdraws from the squad with a broken jaw.
Hodgson allows him to be replaced by Carlsberg (I'm getting thirsty here)
competition runner-up Martin Kelly (competition answer: "so I can hold my
friend Jordan's hand").
Cardiff's Malaysian owners resurrect a plan to change the club's colours
from blue to red which will make them, er, easier to see in Asia or
something and will be the solution to all their problems. Presumably nobody
called Liverpool before thinking that one up.
The final transfer speculation of the period leaves us looking at Wolves'
Michael Kightley, Wigan's Mohammed Diame, Nicholas Anelka (lately of
somewhere in China), Rangers' Stephen Naismith, Stoke's Kenwyne Jones, and,
bizarrely, Ronaldinho who has fallen out with his current employers over a
disagreement over wages, Ronaldinho believing his contract entitled him to
some.
Tottenham are rumoured to have put in a £5m bid for James Tomkins. No
official confirmation comes of the bid which is too daft to be taken
seriously. Even they're not that stupid are they?
So, to summarise, we went up. We have the Euros and the Olympics to look
forward to in the summer. The fixtures are out on June 18th. The season
starts on 18 August so Sky have a whole two months to mess up your plans,
though as usual you can probably rely on them to leave it until an hour
after you have left for the match before announcing any revised dates. Our
tv coverage will be on a bit earlier – though on past form from the BBC
that'll only be by a minute or two.
And this time next year I'll be looking back at a really dull season and
won't have had a thing to write.
Which will make a change.
Have a good summer!
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Naismith agent - No Hammers bid
Frontman focused on returning to full fitness with Gers, says agent
Last Updated: June 6, 2012 9:01am
SSN
Steven Naismith's agent has denied reports West Ham have made an approach
for the Rangers striker and says he is fully focused on continuing his Ibrox
career.
Speculation has surfaced the frontman was the subject of a £2million offer
from the Premier League new-boys but his agent, Russell Kyle, has denied
such claims.
Kyle insists Naismith, who saw his season cut short after suffering a
cruciate ligament injury in October, is concentrating on regaining full
fitness in time for the new season with Gers. He told the Daily Record: "I
can say categorically that we have had no contact with West Ham and that no
one from Rangers has been in touch to tell us Steven has been the subject of
an inquiry from them. "Steven is on holiday and his primary concern is
returning to Rangers and being fully fit for the new season."
Naismith, who has three years left to run on his contract at Ibrox,
previously attracted a £2m bid from West Brom which was rejected by the
club's administrators, Duff and Phelps. The striker has previously stated he
is optimistic of continuing his career in Glasgow despite concerns over the
financially-stricken club's future.
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West Ham Linked with a Defensive Midfielder!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
One of the areas of the squad that defintely needs addressing this summer is
midfield anchor. Yet, so far, and it is admittedly early days, we have not
been linked with any players in that particular position. Numerous different
forwards yes, defnsive midfielders no! Until this evening that is, when it
was reported that Sam Allardyce is considering making a bid for former
Racing Club defensive midfielder, Cladio Yacob.
In the last season or two Yacob has been watched by both Man Utd and
Arsenal, without either making a move. The rumour being that they do not
feel that he is ideally suited to the frentic, fast pace of the EPL. Yet at
24 years of age, an Argentina international, and a free agent he may well be
worth a gamble.
Elsewhere, most Hammers fans were hoping for a bid for Wolves left-winger,
Matt Jarvis, but the latest rumours are that we may be going for the cheaper
option on Wolves' right wing, Micheal Knightley. He could be a good signing,
as long as he is over his past injury problems?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham, Southampton and Reading: Survival is the name of the game
Posted: June 5, 2012 by newshoes1984 in Reading, Southampton, West Ham
Ninetyminutesonline.com
Over the last few seasons teams coming into the Premier League from the
Championship have been more successful in avoiding relegation in their first
season. QPR, Norwich and Swansea all survived this season, whilst the likes
of Stoke, West Brom and Wigan have now established themselves as top-flight
teams. So what do the three teams that are joining this season need to do to
survive?
Reading
Reading are returning to the big time after relegation in 2008. There are
many similarities though between this team and the one that finished eighth
in their first season in the Premiership in 2006-2007. Just like that team
there are no real big stars and Reading's success comes from their solid
shape, organisation and ability to counter attack. They have experience at
the back in the shape of former Leeds man Ian Harte and Kaspars Gorkss,
Exciting wingers in Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe and hardworking strikers in
Jason Roberts and Noel Hunt.
The one different factor which may aid Reading's survival chances this time
is the backing of wealthy Russian Anton Zingarevich who recently bought 51%
of the club. Certainly Reading will need to spend and add some Premier
League experience and a proven goal scorer at the top level to the solid
base that they already have.
Southampton
The Saints last couple of seasons are very similar to that of Norwich City.
From struggling in League One Nigel Adkins has secured back-to-back
promotions to the Premier League just Like Paul Lambert did at Carrow Road.
This has been achieved by having a prolific goal scorer at Football League
level in Rickie Lambert just like Norwich has Grant Holt.
Much like Reading their success in the Championship was built on a solid
defensive unit marshalled by Jose Fonte and Jos Hooiveld with the
experienced Kelvin Davis in goal. Dean Hammond provides a good base in front
of the back four, which allows the likes of Lambert, Adam Lallana and Billy
Sharp to concentrate on scoring goals. With their current squad Southampton
have a good chance of survival but much like Reading some more Premier
League experience and strength in depth is required to give them an even
better chance.
West Ham
Everyone's favourites to bounce straight back up did it the hard way after a
2-1 play-off final victory over Blackpool. They are a side that is already
packed with Premiership and international experience with the likes of
Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole to name just a few.
Despite scoring 81 goals last season ,which was the second highest in the
division, a prolific striker is still needed as they created so many chances
to win games which they drew in the Championship.
West Ham also have an advantage by having the experienced Sam Allardyce in
charge. Allardyce has been there and done it with both Bolton and Blackburn,
making Bolton a stable Premier League club and also taking Blackburn to a
comfortable mid table position. Whilst many of the West Ham fans may not
like the style of football that Allardyce plays, they cannot argue that it
gets results and his meticulous planning may be what keeps West Ham afloat
next season.
All three teams will have to spend to survive, with greater strength in
depth being an issue for all three to cope with the rigours and pace of the
top division. With three managers though who are very tactically astute and
some exciting forward players Reading, Southampton and West Ham all have a
great chance of making an impact in the Premier League next season.
By Chris Newman
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West Ham wait to pounce on Chelsea outcast Benayoun and free agent Yacob
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:51, 6 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:51, 6 June 2012
Daily Mail
Yossi Benayoun is expected to announce his departure from Chelsea this week,
with West Ham, Ajax and Maccabi Haifa all keen. The Israel midfielder, who
spent almost all of last season on loan at Arsenal, posted on Twitter: 'I
hope I will have some news about my future soon.' West Ham are interested in
Argentina midfielder Claudio Yacob, 24, a free agent after leaving Racing.
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West Ham United keen on Wolves winger Michael Kightly
Guardian Series
5:34pm Wednesday 6th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are reportedly keen on bringing Wolves winger Michael
Kightly to the club. The Hammers are interested in taking the former Watford
loan midfielder to Upton Park following their promotion to the Premier
League. The 26-year-old could be available for a reasonable price after
Wolves suffered relegation to the Championship.
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West Ham midfielder sets out on pro golf journey - 05/06/2012
Europrotour.com
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil is eyeing a career in professional
golf once his footballing days are over. The 29-year-old has been getting a
feel for the sport by taking part in two events on the 888poker.com PGA
EuroPro Tour. The Your Golf Travel Classic at Bovey Castle in Dartmoor and
the Ulster Bank Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, were
O'Neil's first appearances in professional golf and gave the former England
Under-21 international an insight to life on a pro tour.
At Bovey Castle he carded a first-round score of 79 on the par-70 course and
struggled in his second round, signing for 89 to total 28 over par for the
tournament.
However, he improved at Galgorm Castle and achieved a two-over-par 74 in his
first round and 80 in his second. "I've loved playing golf since I first
took it up," said O'Neil, who played in the two events as an amateur. "I am
realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro
golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would
look to do. "Bovey Castle was my first ever professional golf event. It was
nice of the EuroPro Tour to invite me to come see what it is all about and
it was a good experience. "I play of scratch at the London Club in Kent but
it is a bit different playing there on a Sunday morning with friends than it
is playing on the EuroPro with the professional lads who are on tour doing
it week-in, week-out. "I found it difficult at Bovey but I tried to enjoy it
anyway. It was tough going and it was quite nerve-racking as well. I was
hoping to get a few weeks of practise in before I came but with West Ham
being in the play-offs I didn't have the chance. "I love my golf and I know
some of the EuroPro Tour players. I was invited to come and play a couple of
weeks and see what it is all about. It's something that, if I can get good
enough at, I'd be interested in doing once I get to 35 and stop playing
football. It's a chance to see what it was all about and how my swing would
stand up under pressure. Unfortunately it wasn't great at Bovey! "Galgorm
was slightly better; I did quite well in my first round and proved to myself
that I can shoot a half-decent score even though I didn't play great golf. I
need to do more practise; the pro golfers are fantastic and are working on
their game day in, day out. I didn't expect to go and do anything special,
it was just for the experience and I really enjoyed it. "I think my
perception of how good the pro lads are was fairly accurate. I have played
with a few of them socially before and I knew they were good. I knew I
needed to improve to reach their level and that remains the same. I don't
think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having
the time to be able to practise.
"A few of the guys said how good my short game is but my problem at the
moment is consistency. My bad shoots seem to be a lot worse than the bad
ones the pro lads are hitting. I hit a couple of loose ones with my driver
at Galgorm which were 40 or 50 yards off line and that will cost you two
shots straight away. For the pro lads their bad shots are sneaking into the
rough and that is about as bad is it gets. I need to repeatedly hit the ball
and try and find some more consistency. "Playing in my first professional
golf tournaments has been similar to my football debut. I don't get that
nervous anymore ahead of football matches but when I think back to how
nervous I was for my debut and for my second game it's probably quite
similar to how nervous I was at Bovey Castle and at Galgorm."
The newly-promoted Premier League football is now taking a well-earned
family holiday but will be back on the golf course at the end of June in a
bid to win a place at this year's British Open. "I'll be playing in the
British Open qualifying at the end of June," he said. "I did it two years
ago and hopefully playing on the EuroPro will stand me in good stead. I
found that more nerve-wracking than Open qualifying was two years ago, and
that will be at my home course as well, so hopefully I'll feel quite
comfortable for that. I know the course well but it is only 18 holes so you
need to have a good day, but you never know. "I love playing golf and I am
really grateful to the guys at the EuroPro Tour for inviting me to play
these two events and if they invite me next summer I'd like to get a couple
in, and then you may see me full time in about seven years!"
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West Ham United chasing Blackburn Rovers keeper Robinson
by Jack Failsworth. Published Wed 06 Jun 2012 14:30, Last updated:
2012-06-06
clicklancashire.com
According to reports West Ham United is interested in Blackburn Rovers
goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The Lancashire Telegraph claims Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce is eyeing the former England keeper. Robinson is understood to be
high up on Allardyce's wish list of replacements, having been a big admirer
of him during their time together at Ewood Park. However, it is believed
that Big Sam has other names on his short list though, including free agent
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton Wanderers.
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Elior pitches up at Upton Park
Fm-world.co.uk
6 June 2012
Elior has taken over catering at Upton Park, the home of Premier League team
West Ham United, in a deal worth nearly £10 million. Elior's UK division
took over from Compass Group this month under a two-year contract, a
statement from Elior said. West Ham joins Queens Park Rangers as the second
premiership club for Elior, which also handles catering for Brighton & Hove
Albion, Rangers and Port Vale, as well as for the Murrayfield rugby pitch.
Elior is providing all match day and non-match day food and hotel services
at Upton Park, where the executive boxes are turned into bedrooms on
non-match days.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts completed an unfortgettable season by travelling with the squad to
Wembley
06.06.2012
Dan Potts might not have been directly involved in the npower Championship
Play-Off final victory over Blackpool, but the young defender could not keep
the smile of his face at Wembley. The 18-year-old began 2011/12 as the
youth-team captain but ended it as a West Ham United first-team player,
full-time professional and England Under-18 international. Potts was part of
the Hammers' 21-man squad that travelled to the Home of Football for the big
game, enabling the teenager to soak up the atmosphere in front of a crowd of
nearly 80,000 fans.
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Boxers ready for Boleyn showdown
WHUFC.com
Dereck Chisora and David Haye cannot wait to settle their differences in an
east London ring
06.06.2012
With Saturday 14 July fast approaching, David Haye and Dereck Chisora have
both come out fighting ahead of their bout at the Boleyn. 'Licensed to
Thrill' takes place at the Boleyn Ground, with British heavyweights David
Haye and Dereck Chisora topping the bill as they look to settle their
differences once and for all. West Ham TV caught up with both fighters ahead
of the crunch encounter. Chisora was looking forward to stepping into the
ring at the Boleyn once more, having previously defeated Danny Williams back
in May 2010, knocking out the former British and Commonwealth champion after
nine seconds of the second round. "The Boleyn Ground has a great atmosphere,
I really like this place," said Chisora. "This is the second time I've
fought here I'm looking forward to this one. I'm ready for it and I can't
wait to get in that ring. "David and I have some unfinished business but
after 14 July it will be done and I will be the happy one."
Haye, who has come out of retirement for the bout, was also in fighting mode
as he suggested that Chisora was not the fighter he believes he is. "Dereck
talks a lot but I'm not sure he actually understands boxing. He's got a good
chin but I certainly don't think he has enough to beat me. I believe Chisora
is going to come out slinging bombs and that will suit me perfectly. "It's
going to be entertaining. You'll see some stuff from me that you haven't
seen for a while. A new improved Hayemaker."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are this morning being linked with a move for Wolves winger Michael
Kightly. The 26-year-old was part of the team relegated from the Premier
League last season and is this morning being linked with a return south,
having spent the last five-and-a-half years in the Midlands with the
Wanderers. Originally from Basildon, Kightly began his career playing part
time for Basildon United before moving to Southend United, having been
dumped by Tottenham as a youth player.
After a brief spell on loan at Farnborough Town he joined Grays Athletic
where he became known as 'the Ryan Giggs of non-league football'. Having
helped the Gravelmen win the FA Trophy, he moved to Wolves - initially on
loan - in November 2006, before making the transfer permanent in January
2007.
Elsewhere the Hammers have been cited as a potential suitor for Rangers
forward Steven Naismith, who is reported to have a clause in his contract
allowing him to speak with any club prepared to offer £2million for his
services.
Other players who continue to be linked with a move to east London this week
are Wigan's out-of-contract Mohamed Diame, Stoke's out-of-favour Kenwyne
Jones and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka - who at least one source has
stated is in London for transfer talks with an unnamed party.
Meanwhile the individual (or individuals) responsible for the Twitter
account in the name of David Sullivan's 12-year-old son have been busy once
again.
When asked whether West Ham are considering signing Sunderland's Egyptian
winger Ahmed Elmohamady, 'Sullivan' replied: "We are no trying to sign
Elmohamdyu (sic) from Sunderland", before clearing up any potential doubt
over a missing character by adding, "We are not" - and later, "we never
wanted him".
Then, when asked to confirm whether reports stating that Sam Allardyce's
summer war chest equated to just £10million, the account holder replied,
"double that".
In terms of potential departures, there is still no news with regards to
Robert Green's position following David Gold's recent Tweet confirming that
"Robert is out of contract and is currently a free agent" - although one
source close to the player has told KUMB.com that the England stopper will
not make any decision on his future until after the forthcoming European
Championships.
Finally, Tottenham's purported £5million bid for KUMB.com's Player of the
Year James Tomkins appears to have been laughed off in most quarters.
However keen-eyed KUMB readers will no doubt recall that Tomkins recently
changed agents and is now part of the Mark Curtis stable.
Curtis, for the uninitiated, was accused by Andy Carroll's former agent
(Peter Harrison) of stealing his client and subsequently brokering the deal
that saw the England international move to Anfield for a record-breaking
£35million last year.
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That Was The Season That Was 2011/2012 - Part Four
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th June 2012
By: Gordon Thrower
He's cleared his domestic football inbox and written it all down so he can
concentrate on watching the Euros. Well for three games anyway. Here's the
final part of Gordon Thrower's end of season review. Let's see who he can
annoy this time.....
March
Defender George John returns to FC Dallas having failed to impress during
his loan spell which consisted of two Development squad matches and no
appearances in the first team squad.
Southampton manage a 1-0 win at Leeds despite being played off the park, the
home side failing to take any of the numerous chances that coe their way.
This gives Southampton a four point lead making it rather important that we
get something out of our international trip the following day. This we do in
decent style beating Cardiff 2-0 with goals from Nolan and a collector's
item from McCartney, whose 50 yard run finishes with him putting away a
rebound. With his right foot. The disembodied head of Ray Winstone explodes
as the bookies for whom he does those adverts struggle to compute the
astronomical odds of Linda scoring at all, multiplied by the even more
astronomical odds of such a goal coming from his right foot.
There's more fun to be had at the expense of Chelsea as Abrahamovic decides
that AVB (as I can't be bothered to look up the spelling of his name) is not
the man to run the club after all. AVB has lasted just about as long as it
takes to conceive and give birth. There's little sympathy for him however
given the no doubt large payoff that he receives for going. In any case,
people are too busy laughing at Chelsea to have any time for sympathy.
Southampton drop two home points to the in-form Ipswich whose goal comes
from Jason Scotland. This is possibly the first time ever I can recall
smiling at a Scotland goal. However, despite dominating our match against
Watford we fail to take the opportunity to go top, as the clock ticks on.
Sub Ricardo Vaz Te notches a late equaliser but try as we might we fail to
net the winner, despite 9 minutes of stoppage time being added for a
serious-looking (but thankfully not as serious as it looked) injury to
Watford defender Dale Bennett who is stretchered off with his neck in a
brace.
With Winston Reid still feeling the effects of serious concussion obtained
playing for the Kiwis against Jamaica we look a bit short handed at the back
and Stoke defender Danny Collins comes in on loan, though quite how he'll
adapt to playing football after his move from Stoke is anyone's guess.
Another loan signing is set to be 'keeper Stephen Henderson who will come in
from Pompey. Henderson's signing is made with a view to a permanent deal,
something that renews speculation as to the future of Rob Green, whose
presence at the club is said to be dependent on what division we are in next
season. So the deal is in no way a clever way of saving Pompey a few bob to
make sure they don't disappear before the end of the season with our six
points then.
As if to underline the feeling that Portsmouth must survive, because it
would get just too complicated if they went under, the Football League
promises £800,000 in staggered payments to get them through to the close of
the regular season on 28 April. After which, presumably, nobody will give a
monkey's.
We draw at home for the third consecutive match as Doncaster Rovers come to
the Boleyn and leave with a point after a 1-1 draw. Nolan scores early on as
it seems that only referee Andy D'Urso's long-standing grudge against us
will prevent us running up a cricket score. However, the loss of Ricardo Vaz
Te with a hamstring injury sees us struggle to show any type of creativity
and Doncaster pick up a deserved equaliser. It could have been worse, Green
pulls of a remarkable save to stop us leaving empty-handed.
Reading close the gap between second and third to goal-difference whilst
Southampton's win means that a win in the game in hand over Peterborough
will be sufficient to see us reclaim top spot. As long as we can muster
eleven goals in the process.
A difficult trip to Leeds follows as 3,000 travelling Hammers see us go a
goal down with seven minutes left. On-loan Danny Collins pops up in stoppage
time to rescue a point which is a decent return from Elland Road, though
when taken in the context of wins for both Reading and Southampton , the
point is not enough to keep us in the automatic promotion places.
Southampton's 3-2 win at Millwall is particularly galling coming as they do
from 2-1 down with two more laughable penalties.
Such matters put into perspective by events at White Hart Lane as Bolton's
Fabrice Muamba collapses with a heart attack during the first half of his
side's FA Cup Quarter Final. The player's heart stops for 78 minutes and a
defibrillator is used as the medics perform heroics to keep the player
alive. Ref Howard Webb abandons the match at 1-1 with players and spectators
visibly upset at the whole affair.
Meanwhile, we return to action at home to Boro' and draw. 1-1. Again. We go
1-0 up (again) through a deflected Faye header but a baffling series of
substitutions sees us try to shut up shop rather than try to exploit the
space created by opponents drawn out of their shell. With predictable
consequences. Ogbeche's curled drive levels the scores late on. Despite the
indifferent form we remain in the mix for automatic promotion as Reading
slip up at Peterborough leaving us two points adrift with a game in hand.
The turgid 90 minutes against Boro' contrasts hugely with events at Elland
Road on the same night where Colin's side are trounced 7-3 by Forest, for
whom McCleary nets four. Leeds take the lead but by half time Forest are 2-1
up. Forest then go 3-1 up before Leeds peg them back to 3-3. Then Forest
score again. And again. And again. And again. Colin is understandably
embarrassed. "I'm embarrassed" he says, before going on to blame Carlos
Tevez for the defeat.
Things don't improve much for the Irons in the first half up at Burnley.
Despite dominating and missing a succession of chances (pardon me if we've
been here before) we somehow find ourselves 2-0 down at the interval. Things
perk up in the second half as Nolan (now in double figures for the season)
and Tomkins level but yet again the forwards miss a number of opportunities
to give us all three points. Ten unbeaten then, the last five of which are
draws.
The impressive away form continues with a midweek trip to Peterborough where
second half goals from Vaz Te and O'Neil give us all three points. The win
is our eleventh on the road, which equals the club record.
All looks set fair for the big showdown with Reading whose inexplicable run
of victories despite playing poorly has put them in a strong position for
promotion. We start well with Cole putting us 1-0 up early on. We dominate
the first half so much that boxing referees are seen on the sidelines
begging to be allowed to intervene. However, we discover a clue to their
form in the shape of Premiership referee Chris Foy who allows a blatant
handball from ex-Hammer McAnuff to set up the equaliser. Things get worse as
a flukey deflection plays in Hunt to put them 2-1 up at the Interval. A Noel
Hunt dive over the nearest leg is enough for Foy to give them a penalty
which is converted by Harte. Vaz Te gives us a bit of hope with a header
that makes it 3-2 but Foy caps a dismal match by repealing the offside law
for a three yards offside Hunt to play in Leighterwood to give them a 4-2
win and leave us four points off the promotion slots.
April
The final month of the normal season begins with a Good Friday trip to
Barnsley where goals from Nolan, Noble (a clever chip after a goalkeeping
error), Maynard and Vaz Te give us a morale-boosting 4-0 win, thus setting a
new club record of 12 away wins.
Leeds kick lumps out of Reading and for once the rest of the league turns a
blind eye. Despite being reduced to ten men Leeds look the better side but
Reading dig up two late goals from somewhere to maintain the gap.
The Boat Race becomes interesting for once as a privately-educated
privileged idiot halts proceedings by swimming in front of the boats as a
protest against, er, privately-educated privileged idiots or something.
Still it distracts everyone from making the "funny how Oxford & Cambridge
always make it to the final" joke. Well apart from this time anyway.
There's another big one at the Boleyn where Birmingham come to visit. Awful
defending sees us go 2-0 down before Vaz Te makes it 2-1 in the third minute
of first half stoppage. Even hanging on to that position is beyond us as
Birmingham add a third in the fifth minute of the stoppage period, the extra
time being caused by lengthy treatment to George McCartney following a clash
of heads. We storm the second half and a 70th minute effort from Cole and a
last minute penalty from Vaz Te give us a deserved point.
Reading beat Southampton at St Mary's yet again taking three points from a
thoroughly unconvincing performance. This means that a win against Brighton
is a must. We get the win and then some, as one of the performances of the
season sees us run in six without reply. Goals from Vaz Te (3), Nolan, Cole
and an og give us the points and do the goal difference a power of good as
well. Vaz Te's third is a bit special, a mid-air scissor kick instantly
propelling him to the top of the "goal of the season" nominations.
Unfortunately hopes of automatic promotion are dealt a major blow in our
next match. We go 1-0 up through a Tomkins effort but an uncharacteristic
slip from Rob Green gives relegation threatened Bristol City an equaliser.
Once more a plethora of missed chances cost us dearly and the draw leaves us
needing snookers to have any chance of avoiding the playoffs.
Elsewhere Didier Drogba creates a world record for the number of dives in a
match during Chelsea's So-Called Champions League Semi Final against
Barcelona. Southampton players are seen pouring over their Sky+ machines for
tips. Drogba gives Chelsea the lead in one of the three minutes of stoppage
time added for treatment to his non-existent injuries and, despite Barcelona
playing them off the park, Chelsea take a 1-0 lead into the second leg.
Drought hits this part of the country prompting the traditional hosepipe
ban, followed by the even more traditional heavy rain. Which proceeds to
last for weeks. And weeks.
Results elsewhere mean that Reading, despite their obvious limitations, have
somehow become Champions. There is dancing in the streets of Derby as Rams'
fans look forward to finally losing the embarrassment of being tagged the
worst Premier League team ever.
There is still an outside chance of automatic promotion for us but a win
away at Leicester is required to keep that particular flame alight. The home
side take the lead against the run of play but the lead lasts less than 4
minutes as Reid turns in a Taylor cross. A rejuvenated Jack Collison buries
a spectacular 25-yarder to give us all three points.
Chelsea are yet again played off the park by Barcelona as the home side take
a 2-0 lead. John Terry ("the greatest Captain England have had ever" – M
Lipton) knees Sanchez in the back and then has the cheek to deny any
wrongdoing claiming "he must have backed into me". Terry eventually concedes
that it might just possibly look like he was guilty from a certain angle –
that angle presumably being one where you were facing the screen. Ramires
gives Chelsea the advantage, Messi (suspiciously) hits the bar from a
penalty and even more suspiciously Torres scores late on to send the
Pensioners through to the final v Bayern Munich. It's almost worth seeing
Chelsea qualify in the realisation that Terry will be suspended.
The following morning's newspapers are full of the news that enquiries into
the phone hacking scandal that doesn't involve Spurs have resulted in the
conclusion that Rupert Murdoch is not a "fit and proper" person to run a
newspaper, something which, apparently, is news. One paper which doesn't run
with the story is the Sun whose front page simply states "Torres Scores!"
Back in the realms of proper football we go into the final match of the
season needing a win and some goals, if Southampton draw, or just a win if
they lose. The only problem with that scenario is that Southampton are
playing already-relegated Coventry. Coventry are so poor that Southampton
don't require any dives to win 3-0 and leave us in the playoffs. A Carlton
Cole double either side of half time puts us 2-0 up but as the news filters
through from Southampton we sit back and important players are wisely
substituted in advance of the extension of the season. Hull pull a late goal
back after a bizarre cock-up from Guy Demel.
We finish in third place a mere three points from top spot. The club record
13 wins away from home contrasts with the home form where too many draws
have cost us automatic promotion. However, possibly significantly, we've won
two on the trot at home – which will be handy in the playoffs won't it where
Cardiff lie in wait…..
May
The month starts with the tabloids being outwitted by the FA as Roy Hodgson
is appointed England boss. Redknapp's journo mates cry foul as their man is
ignored in favour of someone with a proven track record of coaching at
international level and no recent court appearances.
At first the English public seem to follow the redtops' lead but the Sun
scores a spectacular own goal by publishing a front page taking the mickey
out of Hodgson's speech problem. The FA complains and any thoughts that the
Sun might have a lucid and coherent case are immediately dispelled when they
trot out Jonathon Ross as witness for the defence.
We pay another visit abroad for the playoff semi-final first leg against
Cardiff City. Tickets are again collectable from somewhere really
inconvenient. For some reason everyone connected with Cardiff seems to feel
it necessary to go into print regarding how awful we must be feeling about
missing out on automatic promotion and how much pressure we must be under.
We are under so much pressure that Jack Collison puts away two first half
goals in a performance that has the word "professional" stamped right
through it.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay puts a brave face on the demolition job carried
out on his team. "We've got them worried now – 2-0 is a really dangerous
lead". It's a warning partially heeded by Blackpool in the other playoff who
take care to only take a 1-0 lead into their second leg against Birmingham.
A major dilemma faces the nation on FA Cup Final day where Chelsea face
Liverpool. On the one hand there was a side with dodgy owners, ignorant fans
and racist players whilst on the other hand, er…
The final is hidden away on Saturday evening to hide the embarrassing nature
of the participants. Prior to kick-off the charmless scousers whistle and
jeer the National Anthem. The match ends up 2-1 to Chelsea with Liverpool
being denied an equaliser by a Carroll effort that doesn't cross the line,
despite all efforts of the TV pundits to stir up controversy. The best thing
about the final is the way that we are allowed to see the look on the faces
of the likes of Gerrard picking up their losers' medals before turning off
before the obnoxious Terry picks up the cup. The scouse supporters in the
stadium further display their lack of class by legging it before the trophy
is presented.
Cardiff come to London via a detour to Turkmenistan to pick up tickets for
the second leg of the semi final. We cop a deaf one on Mackay's "2-0's a
dangerous lead" comment and render the point academic by half time, taking a
2-0 lead through a close range header from Nolan and a powerful Vaz Te
drive. Maynard's first goal at home towards the end makes it 3-0, with
another fine performance to send us to Wembley for the first time in 31
years.
The chicken dance that accompanies Nolan's goal is emulated at Ewood Park
where supporters lob a live chicken on the pitch in protest at the
stewardship of the poultry farmer owners Venkeys. Blackburn lose 1-0 to
Wigan and are relegated in the process while Liverpool immediately place a
£35m bid to sign the chicken.
The other playoff semi final sees Blackpool throw away a 2-0 lead to draw
2-2 against Birmingham. It's still enough to get them through to face us at
Wembley but they are holding on at the end.
Fed up with continually having to order their employees to apologise for
stuff, and annoyed at the fact that their club hold an end of season lap of
honour following their sixth home win of the season, Liverpool's owners sack
Dalglish. "He's not been close enough to the fans" they comment. "However,
now that he's unemployed he will be".
Ticketing arrangements for the playoff final start to turn a bit daft as
it's revealed that Blackpool have been given the same 39,000 or so
allocation as us, despite having a much smaller average gate. Rumours of
poor ticket sales in the north-west abound despite every supporter being
able to take two or three mates each. If they have any.
Idiot of the pre-playoff week award goes to the tool who publishes a
two-year old photo of an away kit, announces it as a new kit and uses the
existence of the Premier League badges on the sleeves as examples of our
supposed pre-playoff "arrogance". When caught out, the idiot goes one
further by replacing the old photo with a supporter's mock-up from the
kumb.com forums. Worse still, Seasiders' defender Ian Evatt is dumb enough
to fall for it and makes a tit of himself by repeating the stuff as fact.
The build-up to the big match concludes with Blackpool sending back a record
7,000 tickets. Because of the way they've been dished out all attempts to
reallocate the spares fall on deaf ears due to segregation issues.
The big day finally arrives. Everyone sings the National Anthem (scousers
please note) and, Collison's shoulder injury having healed it is an
unchanged eleven that starts the match. We take a half time lead through
Carlton Cole but Blackpool restore parity after the interval. Although we
don't play nearly as well as we have been of late we still have good chances
to win the match before Vaz Te's effort with but two minutes left is enough
to take us up in front of 40,000+ Hammers and as many waifs and strays that
Blackpool could muster.
John Terry turns up in full kit offering to help out with lifting the trophy
but security tell him to sling his hook. Undeterred, England's Greatest Ever
Captain (©M Lipton) jets off to Munich where he is able to pick up another
trophy that he had sod all to do with winning.
Big Sam admits to having taken a Beta Blocker before the final to control
his nerves. Sheffield United's lawyers' ears prick up at the thought of
suing over a potential failed drug test.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the defeat, Blackpool's Alex Baptiste
delivers the most hilarious of sour grapes tirades against West Ham. "I know
which team I'd rather play for" he says, conveniently ignoring the fact that
nobody is likely to give him the option. "Their players are all 8ft tall"
says the 5ft 11in tall Baptiste who, despite the fact that he himself is
taller than several Hammers, seems dreadfully upset at having been made to
play football against the bigger boys. Sep Blatter, who has been quiet on
the "really stupid ideas" front, muses over introducing boxing-style height
divisions in football before the realisation that John Terry would still
probably turn up to pick up the trophy in the women's 5ft and under
tournament.
The play-off season (yes there were others) continues and there isn't a dry
eye in the house as Sheffield United play Huddersfield Town in one of the
dullest matches ever seen anywhere. A bizarre penalty shoot-out takes place
which, after an incredibly poor first five penalties, finishes at 2-2. It
then gets silly as all the players considered not good enough to take any of
the first lot, bury their spot-kicks in brilliant style, leaving just the
'keepers to go. Town 'keeper Smithies dispatches his and, is able to put his
feet up as Hypocrite's net-minder Simonsen becomes an honorary Hammer by
thumping his kick into the stands. I expect we'll stop laughing eventually.
As contracts come up for renewal, it's farewell Abdoullaye Faye, John Carew,
Papa Bouba Diop, Olly Lee and Julien Faubert. Unlike last time he left these
shores, Faubert is not expected to pitch up at Real Madrid, despite having a
fine 20 minutes in the play-off final.
Rob Green is in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad amidst rumours that he'll be
on his way. The tensions between Rio Ferdinand and "England's Greatest Ever
Captain" (according to M Lipton who either needs psychiatric help or a good
slap) mean that Hodgson decides that he has room for only one of them. Terry
gets the nod meaning that he'll be there to pick up the trophy when Spain
win it. Terry warms up with a trip to Azerbaijan where he is on hand to take
a bow as Sweden win the Eurovision song contest.
In typical cack-handed style season tickets go on sale for the 12/13 season.
Season ticket holders due a 20% discount for having renewed for five
consecutive seasons are baffled by the lack of mention of the discount in
any of the stuff appearing on the official site. Eventually there's an
announcement. Sort of. "All will be revealed in the renewal packs which
we're sending out, er, soon". Another period of silence follows before an
email goes out to supporters. The dreadfully drafted missive points out that
the proposed discount would cost a lot of money and it was those beastly
Icelandic chaps that had made it in the first place. The email appears to
suggest that the original offer is invalid – though cleverly it stops just
short of actually saying so – and suggests supporters take 5% off over the
next four years instead. Crucially, it is implied that the original offer is
somehow off the table and supporters are given only the option and ability
to renew at the club's preferred rate.
When challenged again the club, realising that they are on dodgy ground
legally, finally concede that they have to honour original offer, though
even this admission is limited to those who bothered to ask and is laden
with so much emotional blackmail that one would think supporters had asked
to take money from the mouths of starving Africans, rather than simply
asking what the position was. Ironically many supporters now claiming the
20% claimed that they might have accepted the revised offer had the club not
apparently attempted to mislead them. All in all, not the finest hour for
the board who came on board with a wave of promises of openness and
transparency.
Barry Hearn is in the news again. Having at various stages been in favour of
Tottenham taking over the Olympic Stadium, then nobody taking it over, Hearn
graciously decides that we can move in after all and that he'll let us share
the place with Leyton Orient. Gosh thanks Barry. Mind if we get back to you
on that one?
Despite the discount fracas, there apparently remains enough in the coffers
to put in a £1.2m bid for Yakubu, who is seeking a Premiership club after
Blackburn's relegation. George McCartney, available on a free from
Sunderland, is also offered a permanent deal. Rob Green looks for a reported
£50k a week. This is an amount that the management seems to baulk at and the
player goes to the Euros with nothing decided as to his future.
With the goalkeeper situation in a state of flux, transfer speculation links
us with Blackburn's Paul Robinson and Bolton's Jussi Jaaskeleinen. JJ, as he
is known to anyone who has to type his name, spent much of 2011/12 on the
bench having failed to regain his place after injury. The down side for JJ's
replacement Adam Bogdan was that Bolton 'keepers have to wear pink shirts.
Which is a bit of a nightmare if you are as red-headed as Bogdan is.
Rumours of possible riots amongst fat people in velour tracksuits start to
gather pace as the Government issues a consultation document that raises the
possibility of adding VAT to Cornish pasties. The Sun newspaper leads a
campaign that is short on quotes from those against the proposed tax due to
their mouths being full every time someone calls to ask them a question.
The Soccer Aid charity match takes place at Old Trafford where the usual
70,000 crowd of people who know sod all about football is replaced by a
70,000 crowd people who know sod all about both football and music, coming,
as most of them have, to scream at Robbie Williams (once memorably described
by one of the Gallagher brothers as "that fat dancer with Take That"). The
England XI, managed by Sam Allardyce, prevails over a Rest Of The World XI
3-1. The first half highlight is the ROW's goal scored by Kasabian guitarist
Serge Pizzorno, whose chip finds David Seaman stranded off his line (how
odd, not). The second half highlight involves tv chef Gordon Ramsey who
leaves a foot in on Paddy McGuinness prompting a spot of ball throwing.
Teddy Sheringham exacts revenge by ploughing straight through the
foul-mouthed ex-Rangers (yeah right – and I played for Barcelona)
defender/chef, putting him in hospital with a shocking tackle that we really
ought to condemn but can't quite bring ourselves to do so.
There's dancing in the streets of, er, Copenhagen, as the much improved
Winston Reid picks up the award for New Zealand Footballer Of The Year,
beating off strong competition from all the other New Zealand footballers
who were in contention. Whoever they were.
Robert Mugabe comes out as a Chelsea supporter which tells you all you need
to know about both him and them. Mugabe instantly overtakes John Terry in
the list of most obnoxious people in the world with Chelsea connections,
though he fails to dislodge Tim Lovejoy from top slot. M Lipton's article
"Why Mugabe is football's greatest ever supporter" is put on hold after even
he can't get past the opening line of "Ok so he may be a ruthless dictator
with genocidal tendencies but......"
Premiership manager news and Liverpool appoint Swansea boss Brendon Rodgers
as their new manager which comes as a shock to "Dodgy" Dave Whelan who had
been mentally spending the compensation cash that he, er, sorry Wigan, would
have received had he not priced Roberto Martinez out of the market.
Following his discussion with Wigan, Liverpool supremo Ian Ayre refers to
Whelan as "a comedian" – something that confuses us on the grounds that
Whelan has never made us laugh. Then we remember the likes of Tom O'Connor,
Stan Boardman, Ken Dodd etc and realise that "being funny" isn't a
prerequisite for comedian status on Merseyside. (By the way, if anyone who
knows "Premier League Manager" Neil Warnock is reading this, can you pop
over and tell him that he can stop waiting by the 'phone now).
England's preparations for Euro 2012 are thrown into turmoil as Gareth Barry
and Frank Lampard (jr) are both ruled out by injury. Lampard (jr)'s injury
causes suspicion, coming as it does as the Government announces a U-turn
with regard to the proposed "pasty tax". Those that might otherwise be
dancing in the streets at the news that pasties will remain tax-free (if not
warm) decline the opportunity to do so on the grounds that dancing looks an
awful lot like exercise.
Lampard's withdrawal from the squad means that Hodgson at least doesn't have
to wrestle with the age old question of whether Gerrard and Lampard can play
in the same side that has troubled England managers ever since the great "do
we have room for two ludicrously overrated players in the team?" question
first came to light.
Carlsberg run a competition to give ordinary fans a chance to become part of
the England squad by completing the sentence "I think I should play for
England because...." . Mr J Henderson of Liverpool wins with his entry that
reads "some of my mates are going and they're no good at football either".
Emile Heskey considers an appeal at the decision on the grounds that
Henderson had help from his mum with the spelling, but he falls over on the
way to the post box and the appeal never makes it to Carlsberg, who, since
I've now mentioned them twice in a paragraph, ought really to think about
sending me some product.
England's final warm-up games see victories away to Norway and at home to
Belgium both by 1-0. Gary Cahill withdraws from the squad with a broken jaw.
Hodgson allows him to be replaced by Carlsberg (I'm getting thirsty here)
competition runner-up Martin Kelly (competition answer: "so I can hold my
friend Jordan's hand").
Cardiff's Malaysian owners resurrect a plan to change the club's colours
from blue to red which will make them, er, easier to see in Asia or
something and will be the solution to all their problems. Presumably nobody
called Liverpool before thinking that one up.
The final transfer speculation of the period leaves us looking at Wolves'
Michael Kightley, Wigan's Mohammed Diame, Nicholas Anelka (lately of
somewhere in China), Rangers' Stephen Naismith, Stoke's Kenwyne Jones, and,
bizarrely, Ronaldinho who has fallen out with his current employers over a
disagreement over wages, Ronaldinho believing his contract entitled him to
some.
Tottenham are rumoured to have put in a £5m bid for James Tomkins. No
official confirmation comes of the bid which is too daft to be taken
seriously. Even they're not that stupid are they?
So, to summarise, we went up. We have the Euros and the Olympics to look
forward to in the summer. The fixtures are out on June 18th. The season
starts on 18 August so Sky have a whole two months to mess up your plans,
though as usual you can probably rely on them to leave it until an hour
after you have left for the match before announcing any revised dates. Our
tv coverage will be on a bit earlier – though on past form from the BBC
that'll only be by a minute or two.
And this time next year I'll be looking back at a really dull season and
won't have had a thing to write.
Which will make a change.
Have a good summer!
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Naismith agent - No Hammers bid
Frontman focused on returning to full fitness with Gers, says agent
Last Updated: June 6, 2012 9:01am
SSN
Steven Naismith's agent has denied reports West Ham have made an approach
for the Rangers striker and says he is fully focused on continuing his Ibrox
career.
Speculation has surfaced the frontman was the subject of a £2million offer
from the Premier League new-boys but his agent, Russell Kyle, has denied
such claims.
Kyle insists Naismith, who saw his season cut short after suffering a
cruciate ligament injury in October, is concentrating on regaining full
fitness in time for the new season with Gers. He told the Daily Record: "I
can say categorically that we have had no contact with West Ham and that no
one from Rangers has been in touch to tell us Steven has been the subject of
an inquiry from them. "Steven is on holiday and his primary concern is
returning to Rangers and being fully fit for the new season."
Naismith, who has three years left to run on his contract at Ibrox,
previously attracted a £2m bid from West Brom which was rejected by the
club's administrators, Duff and Phelps. The striker has previously stated he
is optimistic of continuing his career in Glasgow despite concerns over the
financially-stricken club's future.
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West Ham Linked with a Defensive Midfielder!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
One of the areas of the squad that defintely needs addressing this summer is
midfield anchor. Yet, so far, and it is admittedly early days, we have not
been linked with any players in that particular position. Numerous different
forwards yes, defnsive midfielders no! Until this evening that is, when it
was reported that Sam Allardyce is considering making a bid for former
Racing Club defensive midfielder, Cladio Yacob.
In the last season or two Yacob has been watched by both Man Utd and
Arsenal, without either making a move. The rumour being that they do not
feel that he is ideally suited to the frentic, fast pace of the EPL. Yet at
24 years of age, an Argentina international, and a free agent he may well be
worth a gamble.
Elsewhere, most Hammers fans were hoping for a bid for Wolves left-winger,
Matt Jarvis, but the latest rumours are that we may be going for the cheaper
option on Wolves' right wing, Micheal Knightley. He could be a good signing,
as long as he is over his past injury problems?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham, Southampton and Reading: Survival is the name of the game
Posted: June 5, 2012 by newshoes1984 in Reading, Southampton, West Ham
Ninetyminutesonline.com
Over the last few seasons teams coming into the Premier League from the
Championship have been more successful in avoiding relegation in their first
season. QPR, Norwich and Swansea all survived this season, whilst the likes
of Stoke, West Brom and Wigan have now established themselves as top-flight
teams. So what do the three teams that are joining this season need to do to
survive?
Reading
Reading are returning to the big time after relegation in 2008. There are
many similarities though between this team and the one that finished eighth
in their first season in the Premiership in 2006-2007. Just like that team
there are no real big stars and Reading's success comes from their solid
shape, organisation and ability to counter attack. They have experience at
the back in the shape of former Leeds man Ian Harte and Kaspars Gorkss,
Exciting wingers in Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe and hardworking strikers in
Jason Roberts and Noel Hunt.
The one different factor which may aid Reading's survival chances this time
is the backing of wealthy Russian Anton Zingarevich who recently bought 51%
of the club. Certainly Reading will need to spend and add some Premier
League experience and a proven goal scorer at the top level to the solid
base that they already have.
Southampton
The Saints last couple of seasons are very similar to that of Norwich City.
From struggling in League One Nigel Adkins has secured back-to-back
promotions to the Premier League just Like Paul Lambert did at Carrow Road.
This has been achieved by having a prolific goal scorer at Football League
level in Rickie Lambert just like Norwich has Grant Holt.
Much like Reading their success in the Championship was built on a solid
defensive unit marshalled by Jose Fonte and Jos Hooiveld with the
experienced Kelvin Davis in goal. Dean Hammond provides a good base in front
of the back four, which allows the likes of Lambert, Adam Lallana and Billy
Sharp to concentrate on scoring goals. With their current squad Southampton
have a good chance of survival but much like Reading some more Premier
League experience and strength in depth is required to give them an even
better chance.
West Ham
Everyone's favourites to bounce straight back up did it the hard way after a
2-1 play-off final victory over Blackpool. They are a side that is already
packed with Premiership and international experience with the likes of
Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole to name just a few.
Despite scoring 81 goals last season ,which was the second highest in the
division, a prolific striker is still needed as they created so many chances
to win games which they drew in the Championship.
West Ham also have an advantage by having the experienced Sam Allardyce in
charge. Allardyce has been there and done it with both Bolton and Blackburn,
making Bolton a stable Premier League club and also taking Blackburn to a
comfortable mid table position. Whilst many of the West Ham fans may not
like the style of football that Allardyce plays, they cannot argue that it
gets results and his meticulous planning may be what keeps West Ham afloat
next season.
All three teams will have to spend to survive, with greater strength in
depth being an issue for all three to cope with the rigours and pace of the
top division. With three managers though who are very tactically astute and
some exciting forward players Reading, Southampton and West Ham all have a
great chance of making an impact in the Premier League next season.
By Chris Newman
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West Ham wait to pounce on Chelsea outcast Benayoun and free agent Yacob
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:51, 6 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:51, 6 June 2012
Daily Mail
Yossi Benayoun is expected to announce his departure from Chelsea this week,
with West Ham, Ajax and Maccabi Haifa all keen. The Israel midfielder, who
spent almost all of last season on loan at Arsenal, posted on Twitter: 'I
hope I will have some news about my future soon.' West Ham are interested in
Argentina midfielder Claudio Yacob, 24, a free agent after leaving Racing.
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West Ham United keen on Wolves winger Michael Kightly
Guardian Series
5:34pm Wednesday 6th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are reportedly keen on bringing Wolves winger Michael
Kightly to the club. The Hammers are interested in taking the former Watford
loan midfielder to Upton Park following their promotion to the Premier
League. The 26-year-old could be available for a reasonable price after
Wolves suffered relegation to the Championship.
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West Ham midfielder sets out on pro golf journey - 05/06/2012
Europrotour.com
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil is eyeing a career in professional
golf once his footballing days are over. The 29-year-old has been getting a
feel for the sport by taking part in two events on the 888poker.com PGA
EuroPro Tour. The Your Golf Travel Classic at Bovey Castle in Dartmoor and
the Ulster Bank Open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, were
O'Neil's first appearances in professional golf and gave the former England
Under-21 international an insight to life on a pro tour.
At Bovey Castle he carded a first-round score of 79 on the par-70 course and
struggled in his second round, signing for 89 to total 28 over par for the
tournament.
However, he improved at Galgorm Castle and achieved a two-over-par 74 in his
first round and 80 in his second. "I've loved playing golf since I first
took it up," said O'Neil, who played in the two events as an amateur. "I am
realistic enough to know I need to improve a lot but if I could be a pro
golfer when my football career ends it would definitely be something I would
look to do. "Bovey Castle was my first ever professional golf event. It was
nice of the EuroPro Tour to invite me to come see what it is all about and
it was a good experience. "I play of scratch at the London Club in Kent but
it is a bit different playing there on a Sunday morning with friends than it
is playing on the EuroPro with the professional lads who are on tour doing
it week-in, week-out. "I found it difficult at Bovey but I tried to enjoy it
anyway. It was tough going and it was quite nerve-racking as well. I was
hoping to get a few weeks of practise in before I came but with West Ham
being in the play-offs I didn't have the chance. "I love my golf and I know
some of the EuroPro Tour players. I was invited to come and play a couple of
weeks and see what it is all about. It's something that, if I can get good
enough at, I'd be interested in doing once I get to 35 and stop playing
football. It's a chance to see what it was all about and how my swing would
stand up under pressure. Unfortunately it wasn't great at Bovey! "Galgorm
was slightly better; I did quite well in my first round and proved to myself
that I can shoot a half-decent score even though I didn't play great golf. I
need to do more practise; the pro golfers are fantastic and are working on
their game day in, day out. I didn't expect to go and do anything special,
it was just for the experience and I really enjoyed it. "I think my
perception of how good the pro lads are was fairly accurate. I have played
with a few of them socially before and I knew they were good. I knew I
needed to improve to reach their level and that remains the same. I don't
think there is anything major that needs changing, it's just about having
the time to be able to practise.
"A few of the guys said how good my short game is but my problem at the
moment is consistency. My bad shoots seem to be a lot worse than the bad
ones the pro lads are hitting. I hit a couple of loose ones with my driver
at Galgorm which were 40 or 50 yards off line and that will cost you two
shots straight away. For the pro lads their bad shots are sneaking into the
rough and that is about as bad is it gets. I need to repeatedly hit the ball
and try and find some more consistency. "Playing in my first professional
golf tournaments has been similar to my football debut. I don't get that
nervous anymore ahead of football matches but when I think back to how
nervous I was for my debut and for my second game it's probably quite
similar to how nervous I was at Bovey Castle and at Galgorm."
The newly-promoted Premier League football is now taking a well-earned
family holiday but will be back on the golf course at the end of June in a
bid to win a place at this year's British Open. "I'll be playing in the
British Open qualifying at the end of June," he said. "I did it two years
ago and hopefully playing on the EuroPro will stand me in good stead. I
found that more nerve-wracking than Open qualifying was two years ago, and
that will be at my home course as well, so hopefully I'll feel quite
comfortable for that. I know the course well but it is only 18 holes so you
need to have a good day, but you never know. "I love playing golf and I am
really grateful to the guys at the EuroPro Tour for inviting me to play
these two events and if they invite me next summer I'd like to get a couple
in, and then you may see me full time in about seven years!"
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West Ham United chasing Blackburn Rovers keeper Robinson
by Jack Failsworth. Published Wed 06 Jun 2012 14:30, Last updated:
2012-06-06
clicklancashire.com
According to reports West Ham United is interested in Blackburn Rovers
goalkeeper Paul Robinson. The Lancashire Telegraph claims Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce is eyeing the former England keeper. Robinson is understood to be
high up on Allardyce's wish list of replacements, having been a big admirer
of him during their time together at Ewood Park. However, it is believed
that Big Sam has other names on his short list though, including free agent
Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton Wanderers.
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Elior pitches up at Upton Park
Fm-world.co.uk
6 June 2012
Elior has taken over catering at Upton Park, the home of Premier League team
West Ham United, in a deal worth nearly £10 million. Elior's UK division
took over from Compass Group this month under a two-year contract, a
statement from Elior said. West Ham joins Queens Park Rangers as the second
premiership club for Elior, which also handles catering for Brighton & Hove
Albion, Rangers and Port Vale, as well as for the Murrayfield rugby pitch.
Elior is providing all match day and non-match day food and hotel services
at Upton Park, where the executive boxes are turned into bedrooms on
non-match days.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th June 2012
Hall's season to remember
WHUFC.com
Rob Hall completed a fine 2011/12 campaign by being named Academy Player of
the Year
05.06.2012
It has been yet another unforgettable season for West Ham United starlet Rob
Hall. Even before he helped England to win the UEFA European Under-17
Championship in the summer of 2010, Hall was earmarked for great things
within the Academy of Football. In 2011/12, he has taken a number of steps
further along the road to establishing himself as a first-team regular at
the Boleyn Ground. On 13 September, the youngster made his npower Football
League debut for loan club Oxford United, scoring the winner in a 1-0
victory over Dagenham & Redbridge. In all, he would net six goals in 14
appearances for the U's. In November, a month after his 18th birthday, Hall
made his England Under-19 debut, scoring the winner against Denmark in
Brighton. Seven weeks later, on New Year's Eve, Hall was handed his Hammers
debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Derby County - the
first of four substitute appearances for the club he joined at the age of
nine in 2003. On 30 April, the teenager's season was completed as he was
named Academy Player of the Year by Tony Carr. "I have had a really good
season at all levels," said Hall, who also netted twice in the 3-2 FA Youth
Cup third-round win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in January and ten goals in
eleven starts for the Development Squad. "I was really happy to collect the
award because it is a nice recognition of the hard work that I've put in
this season."
Hall said his loan spell had proved to him and his coaches that he could
play senior football at a tender age. "I had a really good experience there
at Oxford. They gave me a great opportunity to go there and get the chance
to play. I have always just wanted to play football. "I enjoyed myself there
and managed to get myself a couple of goals and assists, which was great. It
was nice to be able to pay them back with some good performances."
When the big moment arrived at Pride Park, Hall was not overawed. Indeed, on
his four first-team appearances, he has always looked threatening. Having
travelled around the M25 regularly as a child to train and play and left
home at 16 to live in the Academy House, all the sacrifices were made
worthwhile. "It was upsetting that my parents couldn't make it to Derby, but
I've been at the club since a very young age and they have always been very
good to me and my family. "The day came and it was very exciting. I didn't
really have any fear, just excitement on the day. I was just happy to get
the opportunity to go and play and I enjoyed it, even though we didn't win."
Next season, Hall is eyeing his full debut. "I can't wait, but I'm going to
have to be patient and keep working. If we are promoted then the level will
go up again, but I'd love to make my debut against someone like a Manchester
United - that would be a real buzz!"
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Now We Are Being Linked to a Move for Steven Naismith!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Reports yesterday evening suggested that West Ham are considering a move for
Glasgow Rangers forward, Steven Naismith. It is alleged Naismith has a
clause in his contract that he can talk to clubs if a bid of £2m is
submitted. However, there is also thought to be interest from Everton.
Naismith is a Scotish international, but he does not have an outstanding
scoring record for Rangers in the SPL. So whether he would 'pull up any
trees' in the EPL is questionable.
We are also being linked to a move for Nicholas Anelka, who is currently
plying his trade in China. He was a quality, EPL striker, but at 33 years of
age, is he the right target for the Hammers? That's even if we can offer him
enough money to tempt him away from Chinese football. Sam Allardyce
obviously has history with Anelka, from his Bolton days, but perhaps it
would be better to look at alternative targets.
Elsewhere, the old story about James Tomkins being targeted by Spurs has
been dusted off and put back in to circulation by some media outlets. Now,
no doubt Spurs would like a young centre half of Tomkins' ability, but West
Ham are not likely to agree to sell him. So, that is a total non-story in
all probability. It has been accompanied by the suggestion that Spurs are
also interested in signing Rob Green on a Bosman deal. This rumour has more
credability, but as we know Green has also been linked with WBA, QPR and
Malaga recently. As such, it is anyone's guess where he will eventually end
up? Spurs are the biggest club of the four, but it might well be that it is
QPR who will offer the best terms?
Finally, there is a story on the club website about Pablo Barrera's recent
exploits with the Mexican national team. He is very much the forgotten man
at West Ham. But it would appear that he is still under contract to the
Hammers. It will be recalled that he was loaned to Real Zaragosa, in the
Spanish Ligue, for the whole of last season. Will Sam Allardyce fancy
bringing Barrera back to give him another crack at the EPL? Or is it far
more likely that he will he off-load the player this summer?
SJ. Chandos.
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Green light for Spain
The Sun
By MATT BUTLER
Last Updated: 04th June 2012
WEST HAM have lost their battle to hang on to keeper Rob Green — who is
eyeing a Champions League adventure with Malaga. The England keeper's
contract expires at the end of this month and he has failed to agree new
terms with the promoted Hammers. Green, 31, was hoping for a £45,000-a-week
deal at Upton Park but co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were not
prepared to meet his demands. West Ham have lined up Bolton's Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who worked under boss Sam Allardyce at the Reebok, as Green's
replacement. Jaaskelainen, 37, is set to sign for the east Londoners next
week, subject to a medical. Gold tweeted: "Robert is a free agent, he has
chosen to move on. He is out of contract, he has refused to sign a new one.
Matthew Upson did the same thing last summer. "Nobody wants Rob to leave but
nothing is for ever, he must do what's best for him and we must do what's
best for us."
QPR are keen on Green but he could plump for Spaniards Malaga, who clinched
fourth spot in La Liga last season. Green spent six years at West Ham —
making 241 appearances — after then-boss Alan Pardew signed him from Norwich
for £2million.
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THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE RIDICULOUS!
Posted on Tuesday, 5th June 2012 by Tom Kilbey
Foreverwestham.com
It's transfer season once again. We have been a Premier League club for
little more than a fortnight and we have already been linked with dozens of
players, from the awful to the absurd. Here, I will try and give you the
latest on all the transfer rumours. I am not an "ITK" tweeter, nor am I in
the business of inventing rumours for the sake of it. I have compiled this
list based on a variety of reliable sources and the latest news I have
available to give an indication of what deals are non-starters, and which
ones could potentially happen.
Deals expected to be done:
Jussi Jaaskelainen – Goalkeeper – Free Agent. After the departure of Rob
Green, Sam Allardyce has moved fast to snap up the experienced keeper who he
worked with at Bolton Wanderers. Status – Will sign this week subject to a
medical
George McCartney – Left Back – Sunderland – Free Transfer. After a
successful loan spell, both parties are eager to get this deal done. The
defender doesn't feature in Martin O'Neill's plans, and will be completed in
the next few weeks. Status – This deal is essentially a certainty.
Kieran Richardson – Full Back, Centre Mid (basically everywhere!) –
Sunderland -£2.5m deal We have had a bid accepted for Richardson, and will
sign him in the next couple of weeks subject to personal terms. Status –
Deal expected to be completed
Kenwyne Jones – Striker – Sunderland – £3m deal – Jones is extremely
interested in joining West Ham, and it appears as if Allardyce is going to
give him his wish. Status – Expected to be completed in the near future.
Ahmed Elmohamady – Winger – Sunderland – Loan Deal – The player has been
keen to state that he is in talks with West Ham. Despite everyone thinking
we were in for a permanent deal, at this stage, it appears as if we are
bidding to loan the player who has not featured under O'Neill at all. Status
– Very likely to happen, most probably on loan.
Deals that have a fair chance of being completed:
Paul Robinson – Goalkeeper – Blackburn – £1.5-2m deal – The issue
surrounding our goalkeepers is particularly unclear. Despite the fact we
have almost seal the deal for Jaaskaleinen, it appears we are still in the
market for another goalkeeper. If so, Paul Robinson could definitely fit the
bill. Status – If BFS indeed wants another keeper, this deal could
definitely happen. Watch this space.
Mohamed Diame – Midfielder – Free Agent – This is one deal that on a
personal level, I am keeping an eye on as I think this would be a very
shrewd acquisition for us. We are definitely in talks with him, but so are a
host of other unnamed clubs, so we will have to wait on this one. Status –
If we fight off the competition, there's a chance of this coming true.
Robert Snodgrass – Winger – Leeds United – £5mill – Leeds appear to be
playing hard ball with this one. They want £5million and Snodgrass is keen,
but this seems to be too much for us. Status – If either side budges, this
deal could all of a sudden be on.
Wilfried Zaha – Winger – Crystal Palace – Around £8mill – This deal is
another example of a Npower Championship keen to hang onto their prized
possession. We had originally put in a cash + Sam Baldock offer in for the
highly rated youngster, but the deal has broken down. However he appears to
be a player very high on Allardyce's wishlist. Status: If we can agree a fee
with Palace, this seems very likely.
Deals in early stages/ unlikely to be done / non starters:
Jordan Rhodes – Striker – Huddersfield – £6mill – Despite our interest in
the football league's most prized property, a deal is a very long way from
being done. We are likely to bid around £6mill, but I highly doubt this will
be enough considering Huddersfield wanted more than this in January prior to
promotion, they could hold out for more money from a bigger club. Status – A
bid is expected, which would put the ball in Huddersfield's court.
Grant Holt – Striker – Norwich – £6 milion – 24 hours ago, we were reported
to have bid £4mill for Holt. Norwich denied this. Hours later, West Ham
claimed a bid had been rejected. No one is certain what's happening at
Carrow Road, but we do know a few things. Firstly, Holt wants out after a
fall out with Norwich regarding his contract. Norwich are standing firm on
their valuation of £6mill, and sensibly, it appears that we have not played
ball. Status – Norwich's overvaluation of their 31 year old striker could
stop this deal in its tracks
Yakubu – Striker – Blackburn – £1million – This deal is one of a minority
where the problem lies in the player's contract. We will cough up the cash
for the transfer without any problems, but the Yak is tempted by huge wages
in China, and will probably play out his career in Asia. Status – Money
talks volumes, and appears to be drowning out common sense in this case.
Abdoulaye Ba – Defender – Porto – Unknown – This deal was looking fairly
likely, but stumbled due to the fact the player would fail to gain a work
permit. Status – Non starter.
Matt Jarvis – Winger – Wolves – £8million – Wolves' valuation of the player
seems way too high for what we are willing to pay. We want to pay around
half of this, perhaps up to £5mill, but £8million is far too much. Status –
Wolves want too much money for this to happen.
Nicolas Anelka – Striker – Shanghai – Unknown – The story surrounding
Anelka's trip to China is hilarious. His strike partner last week was the
clubs owner, he was made assistant manager of his club without consulation,
and he is (understandably) fed up. Apparently, not fed up enough to return
to England with his ridiculously high wages. Status – Unless something else
hilarious happens in Asia, this is a no go.
Joe Cole – Midfielder – Liverpool – Unknown – Every West Ham fan wants this
to happen, but its essentially a non-starter. The player has no real
interest in a return to his former club, and with Rogers hinting that the
player may have a future at the club, this isn't going to happen. Status –
Sorry to dispel all hope, but this isn't going to happen.
Michael Owen – Striker – Manchester United – Unknown – This one has
absolutely no chance. He has told us he wants to stay in the north. Status –
0% chance.
Ronaldinho – Attacking Midfielder- Unknown. Really!? Let's get real here.
*Disclaimer* – Once again, I do not claim to have my own source for this
information. The information has come from a variety of sources including
newspapers, player's quotes, as well as a select group of tweeters:
Adzman89, WHUFC_news among several others.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer 'n Nais
The Scottish Sun
EXCLUSIVE
By GARETH LAW
Published: 05th June 2012
WEST HAM have joined the £2million race to sign Stevie Naismith. Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce has started reshaping his squad for their return to the
English Premier League. And he's determined to pip Everton and West Brom to
the Scotland star. We told last month how the Baggies had bids rejected by
the administration-hit Ibrox side for Naisy who is nearing fitness again
after snapping his cruciate in October. Goodison gaffer David Moyes is also
a huge admirer but Upton Park boss Big Sam could steal a march on their
Premier League rivals by slapping in an offer that would trigger the
25-year-old's £2m release clause. That figure was inserted into Naismith's
deal when he and other top Gers earners took a 75 per cent cut to their
wages in a bid to keep the ailing club going until the end of the season.
Salaries are due to return to normal when they are paid out later this
month. Would-be owner Charles Green has claimed it would be his mission to
renegotiate deals to keep his top stars. But time is fast running out with
creditors having two weeks to agree to a CVA with the 28-day cooling off
period up on July 14. Ironically, Naismith could team up with Norwich
striker Grant Holt after the Hammers were linked with a £4m move at the
weekend. But both could have been team-mates at Ibrox if Ally McCoist's
cut-price January deadline day bid had been accepted. Now the pair could be
sharing a dressing room in East London if the Hammers can piece together a
package to tempt Naismith away from Ibrox.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rovers keeper Robinson on Allardyce list
Lancashire Telegraph
7:34am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Sport By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers
reporter
FORMER Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is ready to offer Paul Robinson a
route back into the Premier League – should Robert Green carry out his Upton
Park quit threat. England stopper Green is out of contract at the end of
June and has not agreed new terms having helped the Hammers win promotion
back into the Premier League. West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted on
Twitter that he expects Green to leave this summer, leaving the Premier
League new boys looking for a replacement. Rovers' number one Paul Robinson
is understood to be high up on Allardyce's wish list of replacements, having
been a big admirer of him during their time together at Ewood Park.
Allardyce (pic-tured right) has other names on his short list though,
includ-ing free agent Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton, and might be put off
Robinson by the expected high price tag Venky's are likely to place on him.
The departure of Robinson would help cut Rovers' wage bill in preparation
for Championship football, with Mark Bunn and Jake Kean ready to slot into
the number one and number two berths. Rovers know they will be unable to
keep both Robinson and Bunn at the club next season and so would be tempted
into offloading the former England goalkeeper for the right price.
Allardyce touted Robin-son for an England recall when he was his boss at
Ewood Park and would jump at the chance to be reunited with him. Rovers
skipper Robinson could also be tempted into being handed another stint in
the top flight but could be priced out of a move. Meanwhile preparations for
next season at Ewood Park remain on hold as club staff wait for clear
direction from owners Venky's. With only boss Steve Kean in contact with
club matriarch Anuradha Desai, Rovers' board members remain in the dark
about the direction the club is heading. Season ticket prices have yet to be
announced, leaving people being turned away from attempting to purchase one
for next season, while all transfer market plans have yet to be given the
green light. Rovers players remain as confused as the backroom staff as they
look to decide on their own futures, with a plethora of the club's stars
wanted men.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Rob Hall completed a fine 2011/12 campaign by being named Academy Player of
the Year
05.06.2012
It has been yet another unforgettable season for West Ham United starlet Rob
Hall. Even before he helped England to win the UEFA European Under-17
Championship in the summer of 2010, Hall was earmarked for great things
within the Academy of Football. In 2011/12, he has taken a number of steps
further along the road to establishing himself as a first-team regular at
the Boleyn Ground. On 13 September, the youngster made his npower Football
League debut for loan club Oxford United, scoring the winner in a 1-0
victory over Dagenham & Redbridge. In all, he would net six goals in 14
appearances for the U's. In November, a month after his 18th birthday, Hall
made his England Under-19 debut, scoring the winner against Denmark in
Brighton. Seven weeks later, on New Year's Eve, Hall was handed his Hammers
debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Derby County - the
first of four substitute appearances for the club he joined at the age of
nine in 2003. On 30 April, the teenager's season was completed as he was
named Academy Player of the Year by Tony Carr. "I have had a really good
season at all levels," said Hall, who also netted twice in the 3-2 FA Youth
Cup third-round win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in January and ten goals in
eleven starts for the Development Squad. "I was really happy to collect the
award because it is a nice recognition of the hard work that I've put in
this season."
Hall said his loan spell had proved to him and his coaches that he could
play senior football at a tender age. "I had a really good experience there
at Oxford. They gave me a great opportunity to go there and get the chance
to play. I have always just wanted to play football. "I enjoyed myself there
and managed to get myself a couple of goals and assists, which was great. It
was nice to be able to pay them back with some good performances."
When the big moment arrived at Pride Park, Hall was not overawed. Indeed, on
his four first-team appearances, he has always looked threatening. Having
travelled around the M25 regularly as a child to train and play and left
home at 16 to live in the Academy House, all the sacrifices were made
worthwhile. "It was upsetting that my parents couldn't make it to Derby, but
I've been at the club since a very young age and they have always been very
good to me and my family. "The day came and it was very exciting. I didn't
really have any fear, just excitement on the day. I was just happy to get
the opportunity to go and play and I enjoyed it, even though we didn't win."
Next season, Hall is eyeing his full debut. "I can't wait, but I'm going to
have to be patient and keep working. If we are promoted then the level will
go up again, but I'd love to make my debut against someone like a Manchester
United - that would be a real buzz!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now We Are Being Linked to a Move for Steven Naismith!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Reports yesterday evening suggested that West Ham are considering a move for
Glasgow Rangers forward, Steven Naismith. It is alleged Naismith has a
clause in his contract that he can talk to clubs if a bid of £2m is
submitted. However, there is also thought to be interest from Everton.
Naismith is a Scotish international, but he does not have an outstanding
scoring record for Rangers in the SPL. So whether he would 'pull up any
trees' in the EPL is questionable.
We are also being linked to a move for Nicholas Anelka, who is currently
plying his trade in China. He was a quality, EPL striker, but at 33 years of
age, is he the right target for the Hammers? That's even if we can offer him
enough money to tempt him away from Chinese football. Sam Allardyce
obviously has history with Anelka, from his Bolton days, but perhaps it
would be better to look at alternative targets.
Elsewhere, the old story about James Tomkins being targeted by Spurs has
been dusted off and put back in to circulation by some media outlets. Now,
no doubt Spurs would like a young centre half of Tomkins' ability, but West
Ham are not likely to agree to sell him. So, that is a total non-story in
all probability. It has been accompanied by the suggestion that Spurs are
also interested in signing Rob Green on a Bosman deal. This rumour has more
credability, but as we know Green has also been linked with WBA, QPR and
Malaga recently. As such, it is anyone's guess where he will eventually end
up? Spurs are the biggest club of the four, but it might well be that it is
QPR who will offer the best terms?
Finally, there is a story on the club website about Pablo Barrera's recent
exploits with the Mexican national team. He is very much the forgotten man
at West Ham. But it would appear that he is still under contract to the
Hammers. It will be recalled that he was loaned to Real Zaragosa, in the
Spanish Ligue, for the whole of last season. Will Sam Allardyce fancy
bringing Barrera back to give him another crack at the EPL? Or is it far
more likely that he will he off-load the player this summer?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green light for Spain
The Sun
By MATT BUTLER
Last Updated: 04th June 2012
WEST HAM have lost their battle to hang on to keeper Rob Green — who is
eyeing a Champions League adventure with Malaga. The England keeper's
contract expires at the end of this month and he has failed to agree new
terms with the promoted Hammers. Green, 31, was hoping for a £45,000-a-week
deal at Upton Park but co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were not
prepared to meet his demands. West Ham have lined up Bolton's Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who worked under boss Sam Allardyce at the Reebok, as Green's
replacement. Jaaskelainen, 37, is set to sign for the east Londoners next
week, subject to a medical. Gold tweeted: "Robert is a free agent, he has
chosen to move on. He is out of contract, he has refused to sign a new one.
Matthew Upson did the same thing last summer. "Nobody wants Rob to leave but
nothing is for ever, he must do what's best for him and we must do what's
best for us."
QPR are keen on Green but he could plump for Spaniards Malaga, who clinched
fourth spot in La Liga last season. Green spent six years at West Ham —
making 241 appearances — after then-boss Alan Pardew signed him from Norwich
for £2million.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE RIDICULOUS!
Posted on Tuesday, 5th June 2012 by Tom Kilbey
Foreverwestham.com
It's transfer season once again. We have been a Premier League club for
little more than a fortnight and we have already been linked with dozens of
players, from the awful to the absurd. Here, I will try and give you the
latest on all the transfer rumours. I am not an "ITK" tweeter, nor am I in
the business of inventing rumours for the sake of it. I have compiled this
list based on a variety of reliable sources and the latest news I have
available to give an indication of what deals are non-starters, and which
ones could potentially happen.
Deals expected to be done:
Jussi Jaaskelainen – Goalkeeper – Free Agent. After the departure of Rob
Green, Sam Allardyce has moved fast to snap up the experienced keeper who he
worked with at Bolton Wanderers. Status – Will sign this week subject to a
medical
George McCartney – Left Back – Sunderland – Free Transfer. After a
successful loan spell, both parties are eager to get this deal done. The
defender doesn't feature in Martin O'Neill's plans, and will be completed in
the next few weeks. Status – This deal is essentially a certainty.
Kieran Richardson – Full Back, Centre Mid (basically everywhere!) –
Sunderland -£2.5m deal We have had a bid accepted for Richardson, and will
sign him in the next couple of weeks subject to personal terms. Status –
Deal expected to be completed
Kenwyne Jones – Striker – Sunderland – £3m deal – Jones is extremely
interested in joining West Ham, and it appears as if Allardyce is going to
give him his wish. Status – Expected to be completed in the near future.
Ahmed Elmohamady – Winger – Sunderland – Loan Deal – The player has been
keen to state that he is in talks with West Ham. Despite everyone thinking
we were in for a permanent deal, at this stage, it appears as if we are
bidding to loan the player who has not featured under O'Neill at all. Status
– Very likely to happen, most probably on loan.
Deals that have a fair chance of being completed:
Paul Robinson – Goalkeeper – Blackburn – £1.5-2m deal – The issue
surrounding our goalkeepers is particularly unclear. Despite the fact we
have almost seal the deal for Jaaskaleinen, it appears we are still in the
market for another goalkeeper. If so, Paul Robinson could definitely fit the
bill. Status – If BFS indeed wants another keeper, this deal could
definitely happen. Watch this space.
Mohamed Diame – Midfielder – Free Agent – This is one deal that on a
personal level, I am keeping an eye on as I think this would be a very
shrewd acquisition for us. We are definitely in talks with him, but so are a
host of other unnamed clubs, so we will have to wait on this one. Status –
If we fight off the competition, there's a chance of this coming true.
Robert Snodgrass – Winger – Leeds United – £5mill – Leeds appear to be
playing hard ball with this one. They want £5million and Snodgrass is keen,
but this seems to be too much for us. Status – If either side budges, this
deal could all of a sudden be on.
Wilfried Zaha – Winger – Crystal Palace – Around £8mill – This deal is
another example of a Npower Championship keen to hang onto their prized
possession. We had originally put in a cash + Sam Baldock offer in for the
highly rated youngster, but the deal has broken down. However he appears to
be a player very high on Allardyce's wishlist. Status: If we can agree a fee
with Palace, this seems very likely.
Deals in early stages/ unlikely to be done / non starters:
Jordan Rhodes – Striker – Huddersfield – £6mill – Despite our interest in
the football league's most prized property, a deal is a very long way from
being done. We are likely to bid around £6mill, but I highly doubt this will
be enough considering Huddersfield wanted more than this in January prior to
promotion, they could hold out for more money from a bigger club. Status – A
bid is expected, which would put the ball in Huddersfield's court.
Grant Holt – Striker – Norwich – £6 milion – 24 hours ago, we were reported
to have bid £4mill for Holt. Norwich denied this. Hours later, West Ham
claimed a bid had been rejected. No one is certain what's happening at
Carrow Road, but we do know a few things. Firstly, Holt wants out after a
fall out with Norwich regarding his contract. Norwich are standing firm on
their valuation of £6mill, and sensibly, it appears that we have not played
ball. Status – Norwich's overvaluation of their 31 year old striker could
stop this deal in its tracks
Yakubu – Striker – Blackburn – £1million – This deal is one of a minority
where the problem lies in the player's contract. We will cough up the cash
for the transfer without any problems, but the Yak is tempted by huge wages
in China, and will probably play out his career in Asia. Status – Money
talks volumes, and appears to be drowning out common sense in this case.
Abdoulaye Ba – Defender – Porto – Unknown – This deal was looking fairly
likely, but stumbled due to the fact the player would fail to gain a work
permit. Status – Non starter.
Matt Jarvis – Winger – Wolves – £8million – Wolves' valuation of the player
seems way too high for what we are willing to pay. We want to pay around
half of this, perhaps up to £5mill, but £8million is far too much. Status –
Wolves want too much money for this to happen.
Nicolas Anelka – Striker – Shanghai – Unknown – The story surrounding
Anelka's trip to China is hilarious. His strike partner last week was the
clubs owner, he was made assistant manager of his club without consulation,
and he is (understandably) fed up. Apparently, not fed up enough to return
to England with his ridiculously high wages. Status – Unless something else
hilarious happens in Asia, this is a no go.
Joe Cole – Midfielder – Liverpool – Unknown – Every West Ham fan wants this
to happen, but its essentially a non-starter. The player has no real
interest in a return to his former club, and with Rogers hinting that the
player may have a future at the club, this isn't going to happen. Status –
Sorry to dispel all hope, but this isn't going to happen.
Michael Owen – Striker – Manchester United – Unknown – This one has
absolutely no chance. He has told us he wants to stay in the north. Status –
0% chance.
Ronaldinho – Attacking Midfielder- Unknown. Really!? Let's get real here.
*Disclaimer* – Once again, I do not claim to have my own source for this
information. The information has come from a variety of sources including
newspapers, player's quotes, as well as a select group of tweeters:
Adzman89, WHUFC_news among several others.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer 'n Nais
The Scottish Sun
EXCLUSIVE
By GARETH LAW
Published: 05th June 2012
WEST HAM have joined the £2million race to sign Stevie Naismith. Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce has started reshaping his squad for their return to the
English Premier League. And he's determined to pip Everton and West Brom to
the Scotland star. We told last month how the Baggies had bids rejected by
the administration-hit Ibrox side for Naisy who is nearing fitness again
after snapping his cruciate in October. Goodison gaffer David Moyes is also
a huge admirer but Upton Park boss Big Sam could steal a march on their
Premier League rivals by slapping in an offer that would trigger the
25-year-old's £2m release clause. That figure was inserted into Naismith's
deal when he and other top Gers earners took a 75 per cent cut to their
wages in a bid to keep the ailing club going until the end of the season.
Salaries are due to return to normal when they are paid out later this
month. Would-be owner Charles Green has claimed it would be his mission to
renegotiate deals to keep his top stars. But time is fast running out with
creditors having two weeks to agree to a CVA with the 28-day cooling off
period up on July 14. Ironically, Naismith could team up with Norwich
striker Grant Holt after the Hammers were linked with a £4m move at the
weekend. But both could have been team-mates at Ibrox if Ally McCoist's
cut-price January deadline day bid had been accepted. Now the pair could be
sharing a dressing room in East London if the Hammers can piece together a
package to tempt Naismith away from Ibrox.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rovers keeper Robinson on Allardyce list
Lancashire Telegraph
7:34am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Sport By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers
reporter
FORMER Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is ready to offer Paul Robinson a
route back into the Premier League – should Robert Green carry out his Upton
Park quit threat. England stopper Green is out of contract at the end of
June and has not agreed new terms having helped the Hammers win promotion
back into the Premier League. West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted on
Twitter that he expects Green to leave this summer, leaving the Premier
League new boys looking for a replacement. Rovers' number one Paul Robinson
is understood to be high up on Allardyce's wish list of replacements, having
been a big admirer of him during their time together at Ewood Park.
Allardyce (pic-tured right) has other names on his short list though,
includ-ing free agent Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton, and might be put off
Robinson by the expected high price tag Venky's are likely to place on him.
The departure of Robinson would help cut Rovers' wage bill in preparation
for Championship football, with Mark Bunn and Jake Kean ready to slot into
the number one and number two berths. Rovers know they will be unable to
keep both Robinson and Bunn at the club next season and so would be tempted
into offloading the former England goalkeeper for the right price.
Allardyce touted Robin-son for an England recall when he was his boss at
Ewood Park and would jump at the chance to be reunited with him. Rovers
skipper Robinson could also be tempted into being handed another stint in
the top flight but could be priced out of a move. Meanwhile preparations for
next season at Ewood Park remain on hold as club staff wait for clear
direction from owners Venky's. With only boss Steve Kean in contact with
club matriarch Anuradha Desai, Rovers' board members remain in the dark
about the direction the club is heading. Season ticket prices have yet to be
announced, leaving people being turned away from attempting to purchase one
for next season, while all transfer market plans have yet to be given the
green light. Rovers players remain as confused as the backroom staff as they
look to decide on their own futures, with a plethora of the club's stars
wanted men.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th June 2012
Barrera boosts Mexico
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera helped Mexico to record a fine 2-0 friendly win over Brazil in
Dallas at the weekend
04.06.2012
Pablo Barrera chalked up an assist as Mexico recorded a fine 2-0 friendly
win over Brazil in Dallas at the weekend. The West Ham United winger, who
spent the majority of the 2011/12 season on loan at Spanish Primera Division
side Real Zaragoza, provided the pass for Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Dos
Santos to open the scoring. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez
doubled El Tri's advantage as José Manuel de la Torre's side prepared for
their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style. Barrera himself
was pleased with his 69-minute appearance and is looking forward to playing
his part as Mexico begin their quest to reach the finals, which will
incidentally be held in Brazil. "Every player always wants to bring his best
to the team and I have only that in mind," said the 24-year-old. "I have
played my best football for the national team and I hope to reach that level
again soon, but the important thing is to add something to the team
[whenever I play]."
Mexico start their 2014 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF third round Group B
qualifying campaign by travelling to Guyana on 8 June. Also in Group B are
Costa Rica and El Salvador. Barrera has enjoyed a fine career with Mexico
since making his debut against Guatemala in October 2007, earning 47 senior
caps and scoring six goals. He appeared at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South
Africa and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in both 2009 and 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Trevor excited by top tier return
WHUFC.com
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking is looking up after enjoying his day out
at Wembley
04.06.2012
Sir Trevor Brooking was present to witness West Ham United's return to the
Premier League as they secured their first win at Wembley since Sir Trevor
himself headed home against Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup Final. Ricardo Vaz Te
was the man who took over from the five-time Hammer of the Year as the last
player to score a winner for the Hammers at Wembley. West Ham TV was on hand
to catch up with Sir Trevor at the Home of Football and he admitted that he
was in awe of the superb turnout from Hammers supporters. "I think we could
have filled the stadium ourselves with the amount of ticket requests! All
the fans got here early as did I and Wembley Way was a sea of Claret and
Blue. "With the Bubbles floating around and the flags waving, West Ham have
created a fantastic atmosphere here."
That sensational backing helped push the Hammers on to a 2-1 victory over
Blackpool to seal their place back in the Premier League at the first time
of asking. Sir Trevor added that he is happy to now see the club heading
back in the right direction. "Financially it will be a big boost and the
next challenge will be staying up there. West Ham deserve to be in the
Premier League they are a huge club with fantastic worldwide support."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samba Sam chasing Brazilian legend?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
As transfer rumours go it's a good one... West Ham are thought to be one of
the parties interested in signing free agent and former FIFA World Player of
the Year Ronaldinho. The 32-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner left
Flamengo - to whom he was contracted until 2014 - last week, in a row over
unpaid wages and image rights fees. He is currently suing them for
$20million in unpaid salaries. And Sam Allardyce, who is looking to rebuild
his squad for a second successive season is thought to have already enquired
into the ex-Barcelona star's availability. Speaking on Brazilian TV at the
weekend, Ronaldinho revealed just why he had parted company with Flamengo,
whom he only joined the previous year - and denied reports from head coach
Zinho that he had regularly skipped training. There were several delayed
payments," he told TV show Fantastico. "It was the final straw. "I have
always been professional and never arrived at a [training] session in an
unsuitable state. I have played nearly every game for the club this year. At
the worst I arrived at training tired sometimes, which is what happens to
many players."
Hammers boss Allardyce previously ran the rule over Ronaldinho - whose
international career is also in the balance having been dropped from recent
Brazil squads - when manager of Blackburn. However despite being linked with
Rovers plus clubs such as LA Galaxy, Corinthians and Palmeiras the 94
times-capped international ended up returning to his home country to join
the scarlet and blacks, the biggest club in Brazil. Already several
Brazilian clubs have said that they would not be interested in signing the
player who is considered to be damaged goods in his own country following
his decision to sue his former employers. However Spanish outfit Malaga -
plus two clubs in China - have already expressed an interest in signing a
player who just three years ago was widely considered to be the best player
in the world.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wally on 'keeper situation
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
First team coach Wally Downes has backed Stephen Henderson to fill West
Ham's vacant goalkeeper spot - if not now, in the near future. The Irish
shot stopper initially moved to the Boleyn Ground last February on an
emergency loan before signing a full-time contract in May. And despite Jussi
Jääskeläinen set to undergo a medical this week with view to replacing Rob
Green, who is currently out of contract having failed to agree a new deal
with West Ham, Downes insists that Henderson could be United's long-term
answer to the goalkeeping spot. "Henderson has been Rob's understudy and he
has been an excellent acquisition," Downes told Talksport."And we wouldn't
have had any qualms about putting him in if Rob would have got injured. "If
Rob does leave that would leave a position where he can go in as number one
or we get someone in and Henderson can understudy again for a while. "We're
quite relaxed about it, because if Rob stays we don't have to do it. But if
Rob goes we have got a goalkeeper who could go in and it wouldn't be a big
panic that we have to go out and get someone straight away."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam in for Le Sulk?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for former Arsenal and Chelsea striker
Nicolas Anelka. According to the Abu Dhabi-based Sports 360 website, Sam
Allardyce is weighing up a move for the player he took to Bolton back in
2006. Now 33, Anelka - once dubbed 'Le Sulk' - has been playing for Shanghai
Shenhua in China but is understood to be keen on a return to Europe just
five months after moving to the Chinese Super League club, despite having
recently joined the coaching staff. And Allardyce - who has been linked with
a string of 30-plus veterans since restoring West Ham to the Premier League
last month - is said to be keen to bring the former French international to
England for a second time. In other transfer news (or more accurately,
speculative paper talk) West Ham were rumoured to have had a second bid for
Norwich striker Grant Holt rejected. Having seen a £3million offer
apparently snubbed last week United are said to have returned with a second
offer of around £4million this weekend. However that too was reported to
have been knocked back by the Canaries, who are resigned to losing the
31-year-old forward after he declared his intention to leave the club last
week. But putting an even larger spanner in the works of any potential deal
was a Tweet from Norwich chief executive David McNally who said: "for the
record, we have not received a £4m bid for Grant from West Ham as apparently
is being suggested".
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KUMB Awards 2011/12: it's Tomkins
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has been voted Player of the Year by readers of KUMB.com. The
23-year-old central defender wins the award for the first time, narrowly
beating off the challenge of Mark Noble who finishes runner-up - with
Ricardo Vaz Te grabbing third spot. Basildon-born Tomkins - who you voted as
your Young Player of the Year in 2010/11 - has enjoyed a wonderful season at
the heart of the defence during which he has emerged as one of the club's
most valuable assets. Meanwhile Danny Potts followed up his recent club
nomination by grabbing the KUMB.com Young Player of the Year award,
supported by Henri lansbury (second place) and Robert Hall (third). The full
list of winners are listed below; for full details - including all
runners-up, third place nominations and previous winners visit the 15th
KUMB.com 2011/12 Annual Awards.
KUMB.com Awards XV: 2011/12 season
Player of the Year: James Tomkins.
Young Player of the Year: Danny Potts.
Goal of the Season: Ricardo Vaz Te vs Brighton.
Best Signing: Ricardo Vaz Te.
Most Improved Player: Winston Reid.
Most Memorable Match: West Ham Utd 2-1 Blackpool.
Worst Player of the Year: John Carew.
Worst Signing: John Carew.
Biggest Disappointment: Seven successive home games without a win.
Hackett of the Year: Barry Hearn.
Most Missed: Demba Ba.
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McNally - Holt is not for sale
'There is no mutiny here', insists Norwich chief executive
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 3:03pm
SSN
Grant Holt is not for sale and there is no mutiny at Carrow Road, according
to Norwich chief executive David McNally. Holt put a transfer request in
last month after scoring 15 Premier League goals in the Canaries' successful
return to the top flight last season. Manager Paul Lambert then walked away
from Carrow Road to take the vacant manager's role at Aston Villa, leading
to speculation there could be a series of exits this summer. But McNally is
adamant that the club's 31-year-old target man will be staying at Norwich
next season. "The Grant Holt matter is completely unrelated to the Paul
Lambert issue," McNally told The Pink 'Un. "That is clear from the timing of
the initial transfer request. "Grant Holt, we would prefer absolutely to
stay at the football club. He has been magnificent for us. The first player
to win the Player of the Season trophy three years in succession, and
rightly so. "He was mentioned by many as a potential member of the England
Euro squad this year - 70 goals in three years, 17 goals last year including
15 in the Premier League. "He is not for sale - Grant Holt is not for sale."
Replacement
"How much will it cost me and the club to find a replacement, a centre
forward with 70 goals in the next three seasons? How much would that cost?
"Players do join football clubs and players do leave football clubs, but
Grant is not for sale. He has two years left on his contract and we look
forward to him completing the length of his contract. "There is not really a
split. He has asked for a transfer, it has been denied and that is where we
are, really. "I am sure when we have a new manager in, the new manager will
pick up the day-to-day management of the players once again." There has been
speculation that with Norwich facing the prospect of losing their star
player as well as their manager, this is the tip of the iceberg and there is
unrest at Carrow Road. But McNally is adamant that the problems at the club
are being overstated. "There is no mutiny here," he added. "The players are
fine - they will be saying, quite rightly, good luck to Paul Lambert, he has
been great for them, and they have enjoyed working with him. "But most of
the players that I have spoken to are saying they are really excited about
the new season, new face, new voice. "Good luck to Paul, I am sure he will
do well at Aston Villa, but we are really excited about the next chapter at
Norwich City Football Club. "And we are very lucky that we have so many
young, talented footballers whose careers are on the rise and we have got
them at the right age and we have time on their contracts."
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Elmo tickles Big Sam's fancy
Sunderland's Egyptian winger set for loan move to West Ham
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 11:39am
SSN
Sunderland winger Ahmed Elmohamady has revealed he is in talks with West Ham
about the possibility of a loan switch to Upton Park. The 25-year-old has
been out of favour at the Stadium of Light, failing to make a single Premier
League start since Martin O'Neill took the reins in December. Speaking after
Egypt's 2-0 victory over Mozambique in a World Cup qualifier on Friday,
Elmohamady said: "West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week." It is reported Elmohamady would be likely to move on an initial
season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next summer. West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce is keen to recruit players in order to prepare his team for
life in the top flight after gaining promotion through the play-offs late in
May. George McCartney also spent last season on loan with the Hammers and
could be set for a permanent move to Upton Park but it is Elmohamady that
Allardyce is prioritising for now. The Egyptian has two years left to run on
his Sunderland contract but O'Neill is keen to listen to offers for a player
brought in by his predecessor, Steve Bruce.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Diamond in the Rough that Needs to Shine!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
So, it seems that Rob Green will, indeed, leave the club on a Bosman.
Personally, I would not have chosen to replace Green, in our first season
back in the PL, but if that is the way that it must be then so be it. The
Goal keeper position is key in a successful team. A good keeper organises
his defence, gives team mates confidence and can save you 10 points a
season. A sub-standard or over the hill keeper can do exactly the opposite.
Think of the assurance provided by Phil Parkes and the uncertainty &
mistakes during Allen McKnight's tenure of the No. 1 jersey. So, it is vital
that Sam Allardyce get this one right.
My assessment of Rob Geen was that he is a good keeper. He is primarily a
reaction keeper, ike Shaka Hislop, who pulls off saves that others would
not. He organises his defence competently, but arguably fails to
sufficiiently dominate his penalty area. In particular, he is not always
strong enough in coming out and gathering high balls; while his kicking can
be a bit wayward at times. As I stated, I would have prefered the status
quo, with Green staying and competing with Henderson and, perhaps, Jussi,
but if not, lets ensure that we get it the changes right! Jussi is due to
come in and he is a very experienced keeper, who will be great back up and a
good influence on Henderson. And the factor X in all this is Henderson's
readiness to come straight in and perform in the first team. If he does then
we may even find ourselves with a better custodian? Is Henderson-Jussi the
right combination to take into the new season or do we need to add another
keeper as extra assurance? Its interesting that we have been linked with
Fulham's David Stockdale, although I cannot see the club paying £5m for his
services. Alternatively, experienced keepers like Robinson and Gordon are
also available on a reasonable fee/free transfer, if it is felt another
custodian is necessary.
Next season, we need to build upon the unity and team spirit established
during the ourse of last campaign It means adding some quality and strength
in depth and ensuring that the existing core of the squad perform to the top
of their ability. The likes of Tomkins, Noble, Reid, Va Te and Collison must
prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are quality PL performers;
others like O'Neill, and O'Brien must give 110% and make their contribution
in sweat and hard graft; more experienced players like Matt Taylor, Nolan
and Cole must bring it to the table and make it count; and, ideally, a
couple of the youngsters need to step up their development and make a first
team impact.
With the latter category, there is one player whose future at the club is
both tantalising and intriguing. A real diamond in the rough that needs to
shine! Of course, I am talking about Ravel Morrison, a player with enormous
ability, who could rmake a massive, positive impact next season. The issues
relating to Ravel Morison are well documented and I am not totally sure how
things stand with him at present? But if he could really apply himself,
start realising his massive potential and inject creativity in to our
forward line, then it would be a major factor contributing to a successful
season. Morrison has everything to be a top PL and international footballer,
including fanastic technique, pace, vision and the ability to score goals.
But all of that can come to nothing if the attitude, dedication and
application is not right.
It is a major challenge to Sam Allardyce and West Ham Utd FC to get this
young man 100% focused upon his football and producing the goods. Imagine
the enormous boost to the club if Ravel Morrison came through, with the
likes of Potts, Moncur or Hall also pushing on! We cannot rely it, in
formulating our squad for next season, but it could be a real factor in not
only surviving but having a good season.
SJ. Chandos.
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Vaz Te tells Big Sam to save his money as Hammers target Holt and Anelka
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:05, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 11:46, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail
Ricardo Vaz Te has told Sam Allardyce to save his cash this summer, and
stick with him up front with West Ham eyeing moves for Nicolas Anelka and
Grant Holt.
Vaz Te scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final to secure
the Hammers passage back to the top flight with a 2-1 victory at Wembley
over Blackpool last month. The former Bolton striker now wants Allardyce to
think twice before splashing big money on another front man, because the
25-year-old believes he can score enough goals in the Premier League next
season. Allardyce has been linked with the potential signings of Anelka,
Norwich's Holt and Bas Dost, who left Heerenveen for Wolfsburg last week.
Allardyce was also on alert as Anelka - who played under the manager at
Bolton - has hinted that he is willing to leave China after leaving Chelsea
for Shanghai Shenhua in January. But Vaz Te scored 12 goals in 18
appearances after arriving at Upton Park from Barnsley in January, and
thinks he can do the job in the Premier League. The Portugese striker said:
'I have confidence that I can score more goals next season 'I am looking
forward to the challenge that being in the Premier League brings.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham to raid West Ham for Rob Green and James Tomkins
Tottenham are lining up a double swoop on West Ham in order to land both
Robert Green and James Tomkins.
Harry Redknapp has identified England's number two goalkeeper as a player he
wants to add to his squad this summer.
Metro.co.uk
Robert Green is one of two West Ham players Tottenham are aiming to sign
this summer (PA) Hammers co-chairman David Gold confirmed over the weekend
that Green will be leaving Upton Park on a free transfer after seeing out
his contract with the club. With 41-year-old Brad Friedel and Carlo
Cudicini, 38, among his goalkeeping ranks, Redknapp needs a younger option
in this area and Green seems to fit the bill. As well as entering
negotiations with the former Norwich stopper, Spurs have tabled a £5 million
bid for Tomkins, which their London rivals are currently considering.
Tomkins is rated as one of the country's best youngsters in the heart of
defence and played all but one of West Ham's matches last season as they
secured an immediate return to the Premier League. Caught Offside suggested
Spurs are keen to add two centre-backs to their squad this summer, with
Ledley King expected to retire and Ryan Nelsen due to move to the MLS.
Belgian Jan Vertonghen will be one and they hope to make Tomkins the other.
West Ham are expected to fight hard to keep the 23-year-old, but his head
could be turned by the prospect of European football at White Hart Lane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland said to be interested in
former Wigan Athletic midfielder Mohamed Diame
Guardian Series
1:58pm Monday 4th June 2012 in News
West Ham are interested in signing Mohamed Diame but Queens Park Rangers and
Sunderland are also in the hunt for the Senegal international midfielder,
reports claim. The 24-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving
Wigan Athletic and was thought to be heading to Liverpool until Kenny
Dalglish's departure as manager. There has also been interest from Europe in
Diame but the former Rayo Vallecano man is believed to want to remain in the
Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elmohamady paves way for Sunderland exit and confirms West Ham loan talks
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 12:19, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 12:19, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail
Sunderland's Ahmed Elmohamady could be on his way to West Ham, after the
winger revealed he is in talks with Sam Allardyce's side over a potential
loan switch.
The 25-year-old has struggled to get any playing time since Martin O'Neill
took over at Sunderland, and has not started a Premier League game since his
arrival.
The Egyptian said: 'West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week.' Elmohamady looks likely to join Allardyce's team on a
season-long loan, and could seal a permanent switch after that spell. After
gaining promotion through the play-offs to the Premier League, Allardyce is
looking to assemble a squad that can survive in the top-flight next season.
George MCartney spent the season on loan at West Ham, and he could be set
for a permanent move to Upton Park.
But Allardyce will be buoyed to hear that Martin O'Neill is keen to listen
to any offers for Elmohamady, who was signed by Steve Bruce.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera helped Mexico to record a fine 2-0 friendly win over Brazil in
Dallas at the weekend
04.06.2012
Pablo Barrera chalked up an assist as Mexico recorded a fine 2-0 friendly
win over Brazil in Dallas at the weekend. The West Ham United winger, who
spent the majority of the 2011/12 season on loan at Spanish Primera Division
side Real Zaragoza, provided the pass for Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Dos
Santos to open the scoring. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez
doubled El Tri's advantage as José Manuel de la Torre's side prepared for
their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style. Barrera himself
was pleased with his 69-minute appearance and is looking forward to playing
his part as Mexico begin their quest to reach the finals, which will
incidentally be held in Brazil. "Every player always wants to bring his best
to the team and I have only that in mind," said the 24-year-old. "I have
played my best football for the national team and I hope to reach that level
again soon, but the important thing is to add something to the team
[whenever I play]."
Mexico start their 2014 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF third round Group B
qualifying campaign by travelling to Guyana on 8 June. Also in Group B are
Costa Rica and El Salvador. Barrera has enjoyed a fine career with Mexico
since making his debut against Guatemala in October 2007, earning 47 senior
caps and scoring six goals. He appeared at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South
Africa and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in both 2009 and 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Trevor excited by top tier return
WHUFC.com
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking is looking up after enjoying his day out
at Wembley
04.06.2012
Sir Trevor Brooking was present to witness West Ham United's return to the
Premier League as they secured their first win at Wembley since Sir Trevor
himself headed home against Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup Final. Ricardo Vaz Te
was the man who took over from the five-time Hammer of the Year as the last
player to score a winner for the Hammers at Wembley. West Ham TV was on hand
to catch up with Sir Trevor at the Home of Football and he admitted that he
was in awe of the superb turnout from Hammers supporters. "I think we could
have filled the stadium ourselves with the amount of ticket requests! All
the fans got here early as did I and Wembley Way was a sea of Claret and
Blue. "With the Bubbles floating around and the flags waving, West Ham have
created a fantastic atmosphere here."
That sensational backing helped push the Hammers on to a 2-1 victory over
Blackpool to seal their place back in the Premier League at the first time
of asking. Sir Trevor added that he is happy to now see the club heading
back in the right direction. "Financially it will be a big boost and the
next challenge will be staying up there. West Ham deserve to be in the
Premier League they are a huge club with fantastic worldwide support."
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Samba Sam chasing Brazilian legend?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
As transfer rumours go it's a good one... West Ham are thought to be one of
the parties interested in signing free agent and former FIFA World Player of
the Year Ronaldinho. The 32-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner left
Flamengo - to whom he was contracted until 2014 - last week, in a row over
unpaid wages and image rights fees. He is currently suing them for
$20million in unpaid salaries. And Sam Allardyce, who is looking to rebuild
his squad for a second successive season is thought to have already enquired
into the ex-Barcelona star's availability. Speaking on Brazilian TV at the
weekend, Ronaldinho revealed just why he had parted company with Flamengo,
whom he only joined the previous year - and denied reports from head coach
Zinho that he had regularly skipped training. There were several delayed
payments," he told TV show Fantastico. "It was the final straw. "I have
always been professional and never arrived at a [training] session in an
unsuitable state. I have played nearly every game for the club this year. At
the worst I arrived at training tired sometimes, which is what happens to
many players."
Hammers boss Allardyce previously ran the rule over Ronaldinho - whose
international career is also in the balance having been dropped from recent
Brazil squads - when manager of Blackburn. However despite being linked with
Rovers plus clubs such as LA Galaxy, Corinthians and Palmeiras the 94
times-capped international ended up returning to his home country to join
the scarlet and blacks, the biggest club in Brazil. Already several
Brazilian clubs have said that they would not be interested in signing the
player who is considered to be damaged goods in his own country following
his decision to sue his former employers. However Spanish outfit Malaga -
plus two clubs in China - have already expressed an interest in signing a
player who just three years ago was widely considered to be the best player
in the world.
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Wally on 'keeper situation
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
First team coach Wally Downes has backed Stephen Henderson to fill West
Ham's vacant goalkeeper spot - if not now, in the near future. The Irish
shot stopper initially moved to the Boleyn Ground last February on an
emergency loan before signing a full-time contract in May. And despite Jussi
Jääskeläinen set to undergo a medical this week with view to replacing Rob
Green, who is currently out of contract having failed to agree a new deal
with West Ham, Downes insists that Henderson could be United's long-term
answer to the goalkeeping spot. "Henderson has been Rob's understudy and he
has been an excellent acquisition," Downes told Talksport."And we wouldn't
have had any qualms about putting him in if Rob would have got injured. "If
Rob does leave that would leave a position where he can go in as number one
or we get someone in and Henderson can understudy again for a while. "We're
quite relaxed about it, because if Rob stays we don't have to do it. But if
Rob goes we have got a goalkeeper who could go in and it wouldn't be a big
panic that we have to go out and get someone straight away."
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Big Sam in for Le Sulk?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for former Arsenal and Chelsea striker
Nicolas Anelka. According to the Abu Dhabi-based Sports 360 website, Sam
Allardyce is weighing up a move for the player he took to Bolton back in
2006. Now 33, Anelka - once dubbed 'Le Sulk' - has been playing for Shanghai
Shenhua in China but is understood to be keen on a return to Europe just
five months after moving to the Chinese Super League club, despite having
recently joined the coaching staff. And Allardyce - who has been linked with
a string of 30-plus veterans since restoring West Ham to the Premier League
last month - is said to be keen to bring the former French international to
England for a second time. In other transfer news (or more accurately,
speculative paper talk) West Ham were rumoured to have had a second bid for
Norwich striker Grant Holt rejected. Having seen a £3million offer
apparently snubbed last week United are said to have returned with a second
offer of around £4million this weekend. However that too was reported to
have been knocked back by the Canaries, who are resigned to losing the
31-year-old forward after he declared his intention to leave the club last
week. But putting an even larger spanner in the works of any potential deal
was a Tweet from Norwich chief executive David McNally who said: "for the
record, we have not received a £4m bid for Grant from West Ham as apparently
is being suggested".
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KUMB Awards 2011/12: it's Tomkins
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has been voted Player of the Year by readers of KUMB.com. The
23-year-old central defender wins the award for the first time, narrowly
beating off the challenge of Mark Noble who finishes runner-up - with
Ricardo Vaz Te grabbing third spot. Basildon-born Tomkins - who you voted as
your Young Player of the Year in 2010/11 - has enjoyed a wonderful season at
the heart of the defence during which he has emerged as one of the club's
most valuable assets. Meanwhile Danny Potts followed up his recent club
nomination by grabbing the KUMB.com Young Player of the Year award,
supported by Henri lansbury (second place) and Robert Hall (third). The full
list of winners are listed below; for full details - including all
runners-up, third place nominations and previous winners visit the 15th
KUMB.com 2011/12 Annual Awards.
KUMB.com Awards XV: 2011/12 season
Player of the Year: James Tomkins.
Young Player of the Year: Danny Potts.
Goal of the Season: Ricardo Vaz Te vs Brighton.
Best Signing: Ricardo Vaz Te.
Most Improved Player: Winston Reid.
Most Memorable Match: West Ham Utd 2-1 Blackpool.
Worst Player of the Year: John Carew.
Worst Signing: John Carew.
Biggest Disappointment: Seven successive home games without a win.
Hackett of the Year: Barry Hearn.
Most Missed: Demba Ba.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McNally - Holt is not for sale
'There is no mutiny here', insists Norwich chief executive
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 3:03pm
SSN
Grant Holt is not for sale and there is no mutiny at Carrow Road, according
to Norwich chief executive David McNally. Holt put a transfer request in
last month after scoring 15 Premier League goals in the Canaries' successful
return to the top flight last season. Manager Paul Lambert then walked away
from Carrow Road to take the vacant manager's role at Aston Villa, leading
to speculation there could be a series of exits this summer. But McNally is
adamant that the club's 31-year-old target man will be staying at Norwich
next season. "The Grant Holt matter is completely unrelated to the Paul
Lambert issue," McNally told The Pink 'Un. "That is clear from the timing of
the initial transfer request. "Grant Holt, we would prefer absolutely to
stay at the football club. He has been magnificent for us. The first player
to win the Player of the Season trophy three years in succession, and
rightly so. "He was mentioned by many as a potential member of the England
Euro squad this year - 70 goals in three years, 17 goals last year including
15 in the Premier League. "He is not for sale - Grant Holt is not for sale."
Replacement
"How much will it cost me and the club to find a replacement, a centre
forward with 70 goals in the next three seasons? How much would that cost?
"Players do join football clubs and players do leave football clubs, but
Grant is not for sale. He has two years left on his contract and we look
forward to him completing the length of his contract. "There is not really a
split. He has asked for a transfer, it has been denied and that is where we
are, really. "I am sure when we have a new manager in, the new manager will
pick up the day-to-day management of the players once again." There has been
speculation that with Norwich facing the prospect of losing their star
player as well as their manager, this is the tip of the iceberg and there is
unrest at Carrow Road. But McNally is adamant that the problems at the club
are being overstated. "There is no mutiny here," he added. "The players are
fine - they will be saying, quite rightly, good luck to Paul Lambert, he has
been great for them, and they have enjoyed working with him. "But most of
the players that I have spoken to are saying they are really excited about
the new season, new face, new voice. "Good luck to Paul, I am sure he will
do well at Aston Villa, but we are really excited about the next chapter at
Norwich City Football Club. "And we are very lucky that we have so many
young, talented footballers whose careers are on the rise and we have got
them at the right age and we have time on their contracts."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elmo tickles Big Sam's fancy
Sunderland's Egyptian winger set for loan move to West Ham
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 11:39am
SSN
Sunderland winger Ahmed Elmohamady has revealed he is in talks with West Ham
about the possibility of a loan switch to Upton Park. The 25-year-old has
been out of favour at the Stadium of Light, failing to make a single Premier
League start since Martin O'Neill took the reins in December. Speaking after
Egypt's 2-0 victory over Mozambique in a World Cup qualifier on Friday,
Elmohamady said: "West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week." It is reported Elmohamady would be likely to move on an initial
season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next summer. West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce is keen to recruit players in order to prepare his team for
life in the top flight after gaining promotion through the play-offs late in
May. George McCartney also spent last season on loan with the Hammers and
could be set for a permanent move to Upton Park but it is Elmohamady that
Allardyce is prioritising for now. The Egyptian has two years left to run on
his Sunderland contract but O'Neill is keen to listen to offers for a player
brought in by his predecessor, Steve Bruce.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Diamond in the Rough that Needs to Shine!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
So, it seems that Rob Green will, indeed, leave the club on a Bosman.
Personally, I would not have chosen to replace Green, in our first season
back in the PL, but if that is the way that it must be then so be it. The
Goal keeper position is key in a successful team. A good keeper organises
his defence, gives team mates confidence and can save you 10 points a
season. A sub-standard or over the hill keeper can do exactly the opposite.
Think of the assurance provided by Phil Parkes and the uncertainty &
mistakes during Allen McKnight's tenure of the No. 1 jersey. So, it is vital
that Sam Allardyce get this one right.
My assessment of Rob Geen was that he is a good keeper. He is primarily a
reaction keeper, ike Shaka Hislop, who pulls off saves that others would
not. He organises his defence competently, but arguably fails to
sufficiiently dominate his penalty area. In particular, he is not always
strong enough in coming out and gathering high balls; while his kicking can
be a bit wayward at times. As I stated, I would have prefered the status
quo, with Green staying and competing with Henderson and, perhaps, Jussi,
but if not, lets ensure that we get it the changes right! Jussi is due to
come in and he is a very experienced keeper, who will be great back up and a
good influence on Henderson. And the factor X in all this is Henderson's
readiness to come straight in and perform in the first team. If he does then
we may even find ourselves with a better custodian? Is Henderson-Jussi the
right combination to take into the new season or do we need to add another
keeper as extra assurance? Its interesting that we have been linked with
Fulham's David Stockdale, although I cannot see the club paying £5m for his
services. Alternatively, experienced keepers like Robinson and Gordon are
also available on a reasonable fee/free transfer, if it is felt another
custodian is necessary.
Next season, we need to build upon the unity and team spirit established
during the ourse of last campaign It means adding some quality and strength
in depth and ensuring that the existing core of the squad perform to the top
of their ability. The likes of Tomkins, Noble, Reid, Va Te and Collison must
prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are quality PL performers;
others like O'Neill, and O'Brien must give 110% and make their contribution
in sweat and hard graft; more experienced players like Matt Taylor, Nolan
and Cole must bring it to the table and make it count; and, ideally, a
couple of the youngsters need to step up their development and make a first
team impact.
With the latter category, there is one player whose future at the club is
both tantalising and intriguing. A real diamond in the rough that needs to
shine! Of course, I am talking about Ravel Morrison, a player with enormous
ability, who could rmake a massive, positive impact next season. The issues
relating to Ravel Morison are well documented and I am not totally sure how
things stand with him at present? But if he could really apply himself,
start realising his massive potential and inject creativity in to our
forward line, then it would be a major factor contributing to a successful
season. Morrison has everything to be a top PL and international footballer,
including fanastic technique, pace, vision and the ability to score goals.
But all of that can come to nothing if the attitude, dedication and
application is not right.
It is a major challenge to Sam Allardyce and West Ham Utd FC to get this
young man 100% focused upon his football and producing the goods. Imagine
the enormous boost to the club if Ravel Morrison came through, with the
likes of Potts, Moncur or Hall also pushing on! We cannot rely it, in
formulating our squad for next season, but it could be a real factor in not
only surviving but having a good season.
SJ. Chandos.
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Vaz Te tells Big Sam to save his money as Hammers target Holt and Anelka
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:05, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 11:46, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail
Ricardo Vaz Te has told Sam Allardyce to save his cash this summer, and
stick with him up front with West Ham eyeing moves for Nicolas Anelka and
Grant Holt.
Vaz Te scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final to secure
the Hammers passage back to the top flight with a 2-1 victory at Wembley
over Blackpool last month. The former Bolton striker now wants Allardyce to
think twice before splashing big money on another front man, because the
25-year-old believes he can score enough goals in the Premier League next
season. Allardyce has been linked with the potential signings of Anelka,
Norwich's Holt and Bas Dost, who left Heerenveen for Wolfsburg last week.
Allardyce was also on alert as Anelka - who played under the manager at
Bolton - has hinted that he is willing to leave China after leaving Chelsea
for Shanghai Shenhua in January. But Vaz Te scored 12 goals in 18
appearances after arriving at Upton Park from Barnsley in January, and
thinks he can do the job in the Premier League. The Portugese striker said:
'I have confidence that I can score more goals next season 'I am looking
forward to the challenge that being in the Premier League brings.'
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Tottenham to raid West Ham for Rob Green and James Tomkins
Tottenham are lining up a double swoop on West Ham in order to land both
Robert Green and James Tomkins.
Harry Redknapp has identified England's number two goalkeeper as a player he
wants to add to his squad this summer.
Metro.co.uk
Robert Green is one of two West Ham players Tottenham are aiming to sign
this summer (PA) Hammers co-chairman David Gold confirmed over the weekend
that Green will be leaving Upton Park on a free transfer after seeing out
his contract with the club. With 41-year-old Brad Friedel and Carlo
Cudicini, 38, among his goalkeeping ranks, Redknapp needs a younger option
in this area and Green seems to fit the bill. As well as entering
negotiations with the former Norwich stopper, Spurs have tabled a £5 million
bid for Tomkins, which their London rivals are currently considering.
Tomkins is rated as one of the country's best youngsters in the heart of
defence and played all but one of West Ham's matches last season as they
secured an immediate return to the Premier League. Caught Offside suggested
Spurs are keen to add two centre-backs to their squad this summer, with
Ledley King expected to retire and Ryan Nelsen due to move to the MLS.
Belgian Jan Vertonghen will be one and they hope to make Tomkins the other.
West Ham are expected to fight hard to keep the 23-year-old, but his head
could be turned by the prospect of European football at White Hart Lane.
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West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland said to be interested in
former Wigan Athletic midfielder Mohamed Diame
Guardian Series
1:58pm Monday 4th June 2012 in News
West Ham are interested in signing Mohamed Diame but Queens Park Rangers and
Sunderland are also in the hunt for the Senegal international midfielder,
reports claim. The 24-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving
Wigan Athletic and was thought to be heading to Liverpool until Kenny
Dalglish's departure as manager. There has also been interest from Europe in
Diame but the former Rayo Vallecano man is believed to want to remain in the
Premier League.
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Elmohamady paves way for Sunderland exit and confirms West Ham loan talks
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 12:19, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 12:19, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail
Sunderland's Ahmed Elmohamady could be on his way to West Ham, after the
winger revealed he is in talks with Sam Allardyce's side over a potential
loan switch.
The 25-year-old has struggled to get any playing time since Martin O'Neill
took over at Sunderland, and has not started a Premier League game since his
arrival.
The Egyptian said: 'West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week.' Elmohamady looks likely to join Allardyce's team on a
season-long loan, and could seal a permanent switch after that spell. After
gaining promotion through the play-offs to the Premier League, Allardyce is
looking to assemble a squad that can survive in the top-flight next season.
George MCartney spent the season on loan at West Ham, and he could be set
for a permanent move to Upton Park.
But Allardyce will be buoyed to hear that Martin O'Neill is keen to listen
to any offers for Elmohamady, who was signed by Steve Bruce.
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